The D.O.V.E. Fund Scholarship Program

The Scholarship Program of the D.O.V.E. Fund is designed to fulfill the second part of our mission statement:

“to promote communication, education, and cultural exchanges
that reflect the best qualities of both cultures.”

The Vietnamese people have a strong belief in the value of education. In spite of limited funds, the government has given wide support throughout the country to make education a national priority. Since 2000, The D.O.V.E. Fund has funded the construction of over 40 schools throughout the country. It was during the dedication of one of our school projects that we realized that just building a school was not enough.

As we started to leave the new school, returning veteran Tom Treece, noticed a little girl crying on the side of the road. As he knelt down and extended his arms, he learned that her parents, who were farmers, could not afford to send her to school. Tom then reached into his pocket and gave the girl $10 and asked for her promise that it only be used for school. With her assurance and a big smile, she quickly ran to her mother working in the rice fields. We watched as she and her mother hugged each other and exchanged happy waves of goodbye to us as we drove away.

Stories like this encouraged the trustees to consider a new scholarship endeavor by asking a simple question: Why build schools if the children can't afford to attend?

The scholarship program, started in 2000 has benefited hundreds of Vietnamese students from grade school to college.The D.O.V.E. Fund Scholarship Committee works with school administrators to determine which of the most deserving students will become scholarship candidates. Along with financial need, students must demonstrate scholastic potential, initiative and a solid work ethic to receive a D.O.V.E. Fund scholarship.

Each year, the D.O.V.E. Fund awards scholarships to talented students in great need of financial help. Without the D.O.V.E. Fund, many of these students would have to drop out of school and work to support their families.

We are so proud of our donors who have commited with us to help build the education foundation for so many worthy students.

Below are the Scholarship Program Receipients, the Major Donor and Completion Date.