The Nguyen Truong To (NTT) College Scholarship Fund awards more than 100 scholarships a year to needy college students in Viet Nam. This Scholarship was started by VNHELP founders in 1991 with an initial gift of $2,000. Since then, many VNHELP donors have designated their contributions to the Nguyen Truong To Scholarship, helping it grow through the years.

To date, 488 scholarships have been granted, with awards ranging from $20 to $100 per student. In total nearly $40,000 has been awarded to scholarship recipients throughout Viet Nam. These recipients come from diverse academic disciplines, including agriculture, engineering, economics, education, law, literature and medicine.

Through continuous contributions of VNHELP's supporters, these small gifts have made a significant impact on the lives of these disadvantaged students. Not only do these scholarships allow students to attend college, but also the scholarships supplement students' income for living expenses, books, and educational equipment. Ranging from $2 to $10 per month or $20 to $100 per year, depending on the living standards of each region, these scholarships mitigate students' financial difficulties and symbolize a recognition of their educational endeavors.

"I must often choose between buying books and buying food. We all had great dreams when we entered the university, but too often our dreams vanished when faced with reality. I was overjoyed to receive the NTT scholarship from VNHELP. It is a strong encouragement to me and to other students. I hope there will be more scholarships for my classmates."
Bui Thuy Phuong, Can Tho University, February 1993.

Along with scholastic records, the selection procedure considers the students' creativity and economic hardship. The review committee includes representatives from VNHELP, local college professors, and community leaders. VNHELP also monitors the distribution of grants through regular communication with program coordinators in Viet Nam.

"Nguyen Thi Thuy Ngoc has achieved high grades for two continuous years in spite of holding a job to support her family of seven, five of whom are younger brothers and sisters who are still in elementary and high school."
Excerpt from Thua Thien-Hue, January 1993.

The Nguyen Truong To College Scholarship Fund is named after the famous 19th century Vietnamese innnovator, well known for his relentless efforts to modernize Viet Nam. VNHELP hopes that this scholarship program will bring back the spirit of Nguyuyen Truong To's efforts and inspire the Vietnamese youths to help their country live up to her full potential.

The Nguyen Truong To College Scholarship Fund enters its sixth year in 1997. Like all other VNHELP projects, the program relies on donations from foundations and individuals. On behalf of the Scholarship recipients, VNHELP gratefully acknowledge the generous support from donors and project coordinators over the years without which the Nguyen Truong To College Fund would not be possible.