support to low-income students since its founding in 2002. By combining financial scholarships with skill-building projects, the group tackles both immediate fiscal barriers and sustained growth needs.

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

Established in 2002 by Vietnamese diaspora students at Harvard University, VietHope sought to resolve systemic scholastic inequities in Vietnam. The group’s goal—to enable low-income students through access to education—stems from acknowledgement that financial hardship remains the chief barrier to academic persistence.

### Projects and Influence

1. University Scholarship Program (USP):

– Grants $300 to $400 yearly

– Recipients are required to show scholastic achievement (minimum GPA of 3.0)

– Incremental funding framework motivates academic adherence

2. Merit Development Program (Academic Advancement Program):

– Gives $150 annual scholarships

– Contains career-specific training and career counseling

Outcomes:

– Higher education graduation: 91% vs. 74% national

– Science/Technology registration: 68% vs. 42% national