Yellow Ribbon Fund
Programmes
Select a programme to learn more about it and how to apply.
“No words can express my gratitude towards YRF. It has aided me during my entire polytechnic journey. Beyond the monetary value, YRF has provided me with essential emotional and moral support, a chance to study without financial concerns, and achieve my fullest potential.”
Mr Alvin Tan, Graduate of Republic PolytechnicRecipient of the YRF STAR Bursary AwardThe Yellow Ribbon Fund (YRF) STAR (Skills Training Assistance to Restart) Bursary provides financial assistance to low-income ex-offenders who wish to pursue tertiary education after their release.
YRF aims to support inmates and ex-offenders to build viable futures for themselves and their families through upgrading, which will enhance employability and encourage self-sufficiency. The beneficiaries of the YRF STAR Bursary may also serve as role models and inspire ex-offenders to rebuild their lives through education.
Note: This bursary is available for local institutions and selected private institutions approved by YRF for Nitec/Higher Nitec, Diploma and Degree Courses.
“The YBR programme brought us closer as a family because it enabled us to communicate and understand one another. The tuition support is great as it reduced my financial stress and really helped my children to do well. I am very grateful for YBR’s support.”
Mdm Aishah, Mother-of-fiveBeneficiary of the Yellow Brick Road ProgrammeGiven the multifaceted impact of parental incarceration, the children have many unaddressed needs such as academic performance and social-emotional development.
The Yellow Brick Road (YBR) Programme was conceptualised and developed in 2014 as a children-centric programme to address these needs for the children.
Key components of the programme includes case management and parenting workshops with the caregivers, groupwork and tuition for the children and family bonding activities.
Referrals to YBR are done during the incare phase.
“I am so thankful for the financial assistance from YREF, especially when faced with the multiple reintegration needs that I had to manage upon my release. The assistance has helped to tide over my finances as I worked to earn my very first salary. It took away one of the biggest burdens that I stressed over as I start my life anew.”
Thani (pseudonym), 51 years oldRecipient of the YRERThe Yellow Ribbon Enabling Fund (YREF) is an interim financial assistance scheme to help ex-offenders with their daily subsistence as they transition from prison to the community upon release.
This support is also extended to families who are impacted by the incarceration of their loved ones.
Applicants must fulfil the following eligibility criteria and conditions:
- Must be a Singaporean or Permanent Resident;
- Household per capita income not exceeding $1,500. For applicants with household per capita income of more than $1,500, they will be assessed on a case-by-case basis;
- Must not have been released from prison for more than 5 years. Applicants who have been released for more than 5 years will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Apply Now
Applicants may submit the required documents to Ms Angela Swee at Angela_Swee@yellowribbon.gov.sg. Only softcopy documents are accepted.
YRF STAR Bursary Panel Dates 2024
Quarter | Panel Dates | Application Closing Dates |
|---|---|---|
Panel 1 | Thursday, 2 May 2024 | Thursday, 21 March 2024 |
Panel 2 | Tuesday, 25 June 2024 | Wednesday, 15 May 2024 |
Panel 3 | Friday, 20 September 2024 | Saturday, 31 August 2024 |
Panel 4 | Thursday, 7 November 2024 | Thursday, 26 September 2024 |
For further queries, please contact Ms Angela Swee at Angela_Swee@yellowribbon.gov.sg.
- The bursary is open for application to inmates who are due for release soon and who wish to pursue training after release.
- The bursary is also open to ex-offenders who have been released. Applications are to be made within two years of release. Applicants who are between 2 to 5 years of release will be assessed on a case by case basis.
- The bursary funds up to 100% of course fees. Course fees incurred prior to the award of the bursary will not be reimbursed.
- Applicants will undergo career coaching and profiling as part of the assessment process.
- The YRF STAR Bursary Committee reserves the right to revoke any bursary awarded if the progress, performance and behaviour of the student are deemed to be unsatisfactory.
- Students must engage in one case management per month with the assigned case manager.
- Students must be registered as a Yellow Ribbon Project (YRP) volunteer and help out at Yellow Ribbon-related events as required.