Spotlight: How Vita is helping employees save over $1M in student loan debt

At Summer, we're proud to support a wide range of people navigating student loan debt, from employees to residents and beyond. One of the partners helping bring that support to life is Caroline Barkley, Benefits Practice Lead at Vita, and we sat down with her to hear why she believes this kind of guidance has become essential in today's landscape.

What challenge were you trying to solve for your employees before partnering with Summer?



We knew that the employees of our non-profit clients were deeply committed to mission‑driven work, but they were navigating increasingly complex financial pressures, including student loan repayments. Many of their employees are eligible for programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), yet the rules, application process, and frequent policy changes made it extremely difficult to navigate without expert help. As a partner to non-profits, we wanted to remove that burden and ensure employees weren’t leaving significant financial support on the table simply because the system was confusing or overwhelming. Partnering with Summer allowed us to give our non-profit clients and their employees trusted, one‑on‑one guidance to help them make informed decisions and access the benefits they’ve earned through public service.


How did student loan debt show up in your workforce or organization before you addressed it directly?



Student loan debt was a persistent source of stress across our non-profit clients’ workforce. Financial stress can impact or delay major life decisions, including how employees save for retirement, buy homes, or start families. While employees knew forgiveness programs existed, many experienced difficulty navigating the landscape or even rejection from programs the qualified for due to administrative mistakes. 


What has changed since you introduced Summer to your employees?


The proof is in the numbers: employees of our non-profit clients have collectively saved over $1M since we launched the program. Summer’s data show that they can turn a 90%+ PSLF rejection rate into a 90%+ PSLF approval rate. 
Lastly, employees have clarity and personalized support to navigate the continuously changing landscape, including the shift away from the SAVE program. We know employees are well-supported in lowering their monthly payments, paying off debt faster, and maximizing the best combination of federal loan repayment and forgiveness programs that they’re entitled to. 


Why do you believe student loan support has become a necessary benefit, not a nice-to-have?



Student loan debt is unique in that it’s not a set-it-and-forget-it strategy, nor is it easy to navigate with general education. Each employee must understand their options, work through the administrative process of applying for federal programs, and keep up with the rapidly changing public policies in order to stay on track. Student loan debt impacts monthly budgets, which in turn impacts overall total rewards strategy. 
By offering student loan guidance through Summer, we’re not only helping employees save money, but also supporting retention, equity, and long‑term financial stability. In a competitive labor market, this kind of support signals that we understand the real pressures our employees face and are committed to helping them succeed both professionally and personally.

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Want to hear more from Caroline and how Vita supports their clients with Summer's student loan benefits? Check out our webinar here.