STARFISH & KAPLAN COLLABORATE TO PROVIDE ACCESSIBLE EDUCATION PATHWAYS FOR YOUTHS

SINGAPORE, Nov. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Starfish Dreams (Singapore) Ltd (Starfish) and Kaplan Higher Education Academy (Kaplan) have entered a strategic partnership, making Kaplan Starfish's first education partner, to broaden access to education and empower youths to progress towards their educational and career goals. The collaboration provides eligible Starfish graduates with accessible pathways to higher education through Kaplan programmes, supporting their long-term goals of lifelong learning, employability, and future aspirations.

The partnership was formalised with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Ms Siti Yariyati Mohamed, Founder and Board Chair of Starfish Dreams (Singapore) Ltd, and Mr Alex Chevrolle, Managing Director at Kaplan Higher Education Academy. Marking the occasion at Kaplan City Campus @ Wilkie Edge, both organisations reaffirmed their shared commitment to developing future-ready youths and nurturing the next generation through education, growth, and opportunity.

Creating Opportunities Through Accessible Education

This mutual collaboration forms part of Kaplan's corporate social responsibility initiative while supporting eligible Starfish graduates through opportunities at education. Beyond education sponsorships, the partnership also provides a platform for volunteer participation and other initiatives that can positively impact the lives of out-of-school youths.

Under the collaboration, Kaplan will offer six fully funded sponsorships, comprising up to two enrolments each in its IGCSE Preparatory Programme, Kaplan Foundation Diploma programmes, and Diploma programmes. The sponsorships will cover the relevant programme fee, application fee, Education Resource Fee, and any programme-specific examination and material fees. Sponsored student support allowances of up to S$3,300 will also be provided.

Mr Alex Chevrolle, Managing Director at Kaplan Higher Education Academy, welcomed the move: "At Kaplan, we believe education has the power to create opportunities for individuals to realise their potential. This partnership with Starfish reflects our commitment to lifelong learning and our broader responsibility to support the communities we serve. Through this collaboration, we hope to empower more youths to continue their education, build confidence in their abilities, and pursue meaningful futures."

Ms Siti Yariyati Mohamed, Founder and Board Chair of Starfish Dreams (Singapore) Ltd expressed, "At Starfish, we tell our youths that their past doesn't define their future, but to make that true, they need a real doorway to further their academic progress. Kaplan's sponsorship is that doorway. By investing in these resilient young people, Kaplan proves that potential is not limited by circumstance. This partnership will give our youths a real chance to carve a future beyond the N-levels."

An Alumni Success Story

The impact of accessible educational pathways is reflected in the journey of Al Zia Taffazal, a Starfish and Kaplan alumnus who rebuilt his confidence through his educational journey. After dropping out of secondary school, he joined Starfish through a social worker, resulting in his return to education and completion of his N-Levels. He subsequently progressed to Kaplan, where he earned a Diploma before completing a Bachelor's Degree with a Double Major in Management and Business Law from Murdoch University, one of Kaplan's renowned university partners.

Zia's educational journey has led to his present career in business management and financial advisory, while volunteering with Starfish to support fellow students. Reflecting on his experience, Zia shared: "Joining Starfish was the best decision I made, as Starfish gave me a routine and goal." Through this official partnership, Starfish and Kaplan aim to create similar opportunities for future youths, empowering them to overcome adversities and unlock their capabilities.

Shaping the Next Generation of Future-Ready Youths

As Singapore continues to invest in lifelong learning and talent development, the collaboration underscores the important role that community and education partners can play in shaping the next generation of future-ready youths. Through sustained support and accessible education, Starfish and Kaplan aim to empower more youths to pursue their aspirations with confidence and purpose, while providing an additional pathway for those seeking to progress towards higher-level qualifications.

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About Starfish Dreams (Singapore)

Starfish Dreams (Singapore) is a local nonprofit organisation established in 2015, dedicated to uplifting out-of-school youth in Singapore through a second chance at education. The youths it journeys with share multi-faceted challenges, including family complications, financial hardship, young parenthood, learning differences and mental health struggles, which lead them to leave mainstream education. To date, Starfish has supported over 450 youth.

Starfish provides out-of-school youth with structured academic coaching, peer support, socio-emotional guidance, mentoring and other appropriate support. Through its programs, Starfish strives to give out-of-school youth the opportunities to recognise their self-worth, realise their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society.

Starfish Dreams (Singapore) is currently applying for charity status. Learn more at starfishsingapore.org.

About Kaplan (Singapore)

Kaplan (Singapore) is part of Kaplan, Inc., one of the world's most diverse education providers, serving over one million students. Founded more than 80 years ago by Stanley Kaplan, the company was established with a mission to make higher education accessible based on merit. In Singapore, Kaplan upholds this vision, guided by the conviction that education opens doors and helps students to achieve their milestones through quality, career-focused education. It holds the 4-year EduTrust certification, demonstrating the high quality of its programmes, services, and business operations. Kaplan has welcomed students from over 60 countries and regions, graduated more than 114,000 learners, and offers close to 450 academic and professional certification programmes that support lifelong learning. Learn more at kaplan.com.sg.

About Kaplan, Inc.

Kaplan, Inc. is a global education company that helps individuals and institutions advance their goals in an ever-changing world. Our broad portfolio of solutions helps students and professionals further their education and careers, universities and educational institutions attract and support students, and businesses maximise employee recruitment, retention, and development. Stanley Kaplan founded our company in 1938 with a mission to expand educational opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Today, our thousands of employees working in 40 countries/regions continue Stanley's mission as they serve about 1.2 million students and professionals, 17,000 corporate clients, and 1,500 schools, school districts, colleges, and universities worldwide. Kaplan is a subsidiary of the Graham Holdings Company (NYSE: GHC). Learn more at kaplan.com.