On July 02, Fulbright University Vietnam welcomed a diverse class of 40 students to its eight-week pilot English language immersion class in Ho Chi Minh City. In partnership with social enterprise Everest Education and with USAID financial support, Fulbright Everest Launchpad will be the university’s acceleration program for students, particularly those from underserved rural areas, needing extra help with English before starting university. This pilot class of students, who just completed the 11th grade, will help FUV test ideas and complete program design well in advance of the launch of the university’s undergraduate program in the fall of 2018. So What? Fulbright Everest Launchpad is helping bright students with less-developed English language skills compete for higher education opportunities, a key priority of the Fulbright University.