Meet Seiharra Burch, the KFC Foundation’s 2023 GED Graduate of the Year. Seiharra is considered a staple at her KFC in Franklin, NC, with guests specifically asking for her by name each time they visit. Which is no surprise, as she plays a huge role in the culture of her restaurant with her positive outlook on life and willingness to help others succeed.
“Seiharra is currently helping her sister and another KFC team member of the Franklin, NC restaurant study to obtain their GEDs through the KFC Foundation,” says Melanie Miles, Executive Assistant at Fulenwider Enterprises and Burch’s nominator. “Her motto is, ‘we can do this together’ which I just know inspires everyone around her.”
Since obtaining her high school credential, Seiharra has enrolled in the KFC Foundation’s tuition-free college program and is currently working towards a bachelor’s degree in business and finance from Western Governors University. She plans to use her $1,000 award as GED Graduate of Year to invest in a high-quality laptop to further assist her as she continues her educational pursuits.
“Seiharra embodies our commitment to making education accessible and fostering transformation,” says Emma Horn, Executive Director of the KFC Foundation. “Our GED Achievement empowers graduates to unlock their potential and achieve their goals.”
The KFC Foundation’s GED Achievement program provides KFC restaurant employees with the opportunity to pursue their high school credential through a free, all-inclusive program, which includes unlimited access to official GED prep and testing—in both English and Spanish. Each student is paired with a personal GED Advisor who is with them every step of the way as their accountability partner and cheerleader.
Additionally, the KFC Foundation continues to support the educational dreams of GED Achievement graduates. Graduates of the program are guaranteed a scholarship to the accredited college or trade school of their choosing, given they follow all instructions and meet minimum eligibility requirements. They can also pursue an online bachelor’s degree through the KFC Foundation’s tuition-free college program, in partnership with Western Governors University.
Each year, the KFC Foundation has an annual GED Graduate of the Year Award and a raffle, open to anyone who completed the GED Achievement program within the specified period—both granting the winner $1,000 in Visa® gift cards!
Jesus Hernandez (center) celebrating his GED Graduate raffle award
2023’s GED Graduate raffle prize went to Jesus Hernandez, the KFC restaurant general manager in Tacoma, WA. Jesus has been part of the KFC family for over 20 years and exemplifies the spirit of lifelong learning, with plans to continue to further his education and support his team members on their educational journeys.
If you’re considering pursuing your GED, seize the opportunity! The KFC Foundation offers life-changing programs that can impact individuals and generations to come.
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*To be eligible for the KFC Foundation’s programs, one must be employed at a KFC restaurant participating in the KFC Foundation’s Annual Franchise Donation Program and in good standing. Must maintain employment while taking advantage of these programs. Some restrictions may apply. See KFCFoundation.org for details.
References to “KFC” refer to corporate and independently owned KFC restaurants. KFC Corporation has no involvement in hiring decisions, orientation, staffing or the setting of wage rates and benefits for employees of independently owned and operated franchised locations. Benefits vary by location.
