Ex-offenders were often unable to upgrade themselves upon their release from prison due to time and cost constraints. In order to provide for themselves and their families, they often have to take on low-skill jobs with limited prospects. Temasek Foundation and the Yellow Ribbon Fund therefore set up the STAR Award to help ex-offenders rebuild their lives.

The programme offered bursaries to financially-needy ex-offenders to help them with funding for part of their course fees and living expenses. These students pursued Certificate and Diploma courses to enhance their employability. The training helped them to gain up-to-date and employable skills so that they could obtain employment and be self-sufficient, both of which are key milestones in their journey to successfully reintegrate into society.