Associate turns opportunity into achievement through tuition reimbursement

While working full-time at Bread Financial® and raising her daughter, Sara Sebhatu, an advisor in output services, achieved her lifelong dream of earning a bachelor’s degree. Using the company’s tuition reimbursement program, she boosted her professional growth, development and confidence while also graduating debt free.

Sara had always wanted to go to college, but the timing wasn’t right, nor was it financially plausible. But in 2019, she learned about the company’s tuition reimbursement program, which provides associates with financial assistance that can be used toward a degree that benefits their Bread Financial role.

Taking advantage of the program, Sara earned an associate’s degree in marketing from Columbus State Community College in 2022, fulfilling the first part of her dream of receiving a college education, with her parents serving as motivation for the next step in her journey.

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“My parents migrated to the U.S. in 1980 from Eritrea, a country located in the horn of Africa above Ethiopia, and they didn’t graduate from high school,” said Sara. “Embracing the American dream, my parents wanted their kids to receive a college education and specifically earn a bachelor’s degree.”

Looking to continue her education, Sara went on to apply to Franklin University’s business administration and marketing program. An accelerated, flexible and reputable curriculum for working professionals, the program accepted Bread Financial tuition reimbursement in addition to other covered costs. In 2024, Sara received her bachelor’s degree with a summa cum laude distinction.

“Earning my bachelor’s degree and seeing the joy on my parent’s faces is something I’ll always remember,” said Sara. “I had accomplished a significant, long-term goal for me and my parents.”

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Equally as important as earning two college degrees is how Sara now applies her education to her role at Bread Financial.

“My new business acumen has impressed my leader, who empowered me to lead initiatives because I could articulate what was going on from what I learned in school,” said Sara. “There was a project in school related to change in terms (CIT) calls that I was able to apply at work, and now I’m the main point of contact for my team.”

Sara’s academic achievements have also inspired her colleagues, including Rhonda Akers, a senior analyst in output services.

“After I told Sara about my 28-year, start-and-stop journey to earn my second bachelor’s degree, she became my biggest cheerleader and encouraged me to take advantage of our tuition reimbursement program,” said Rhonda. “With Sara’s support, I’m using the program and making progress toward earning my bachelor’s degree in communications in addition to the Regents Bachelor of Arts degree I’ve earned.”

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Sara is appreciative of the tuition reimbursement program for the chance to fulfill her longtime dream. For those thinking of earning their degree, she encourages others to take advantage of the learning opportunity, acknowledging that the impact of financial wellness program goes beyond the classroom.

“If someone invests in me, I’ll invest in them,” said Sara. “Bread Financial invested in me through the tuition reimbursement program, and now, I am able to show up as the best possible version of myself every day.”