VH has arisen as a transformative force in Vietnam’s learning landscape, delivering essential

support to low-income students since its founding in 2002. By merging economic scholarships with capacity-building initiatives, the nonprofit confronts both pressing fiscal barriers and long-term developmental needs.

### Origins and Objective https://viethope.com.vn/

Founded in 2002 by Vietnamese diaspora students at Harvard University, VietHope sought to address systemic academic imbalances in Vietnam. The organization’s mandate—to empower low-income students through entry to schooling—stems from acknowledgement that financial hardship remains the chief barrier to academic adherence.

### Programs and Influence

1. Postsecondary Scholarship Program (USP):

– Provides between $300 and $400 yearly

– Beneficiaries need to exhibit academic merit (base GPA of 3.0)

– Phased funding structure motivates scholastic persistence

2. Academic Development Program (Merit Program):

– Gives $150 yearly grants

– Includes career-specific training and professional counseling

Achievements:

– Postsecondary degree attainment: 91% vs. 74% nationwide

– STEM enrollment: 68% vs. 42% national