The Economic Opportunities Program advances strategies, policies, and ideas to help low- and moderate-income people thrive in a changing economy.

We recognize that race, gender, and place intersect with and intensify the challenge of economic inequality and we address these dynamics by advancing an inclusive vision of economic justice. For over 25 years, EOP has focused on expanding individuals’ opportunities to connect to quality work, start businesses, and build economic stability that provides the freedom to pursue opportunity.

We collaborate with national and local leaders across the United States – nonprofit leaders, policymakers, labor leaders, business leaders, educators, academics, and more – and we actively seek input and ideas from individuals and communities affected by proposed approaches to address economic opportunity challenges. Through our leadership and fellowship programs; applied research and evaluation; data and analysis; and dialogue with diverse stakeholders, we work at both local and national levels to build understanding and galvanize action to address the challenge of economic opportunity in America.

Join our mailing list and follow us on social media for regular updates on our work.

What Defines Business Success?  — Reflections on a visit with Micro Enterprise Services of Oregon
Blog Posts
This Pride Month, Let’s Talk about Job Quality for LGBTQIA+ Workers
Blog Posts

This Pride Month, Let’s Talk about Job Quality for LGBTQIA+ Workers

With cross-sector partnerships, it is possible to create a just and inclusive economy where all workers, including LGBTQIA+ workers, are protected and valued in the workplace and beyond.

Job Quality Newsletter – The Hands That Feed Us
Blog Posts

Job Quality Newsletter – The Hands That Feed Us

We invite you to delve into the insightful videos, blogs, and articles featured in this month’s newsletter, and consider joining us at our next conversation on June 21. RSVP: as.pn/groceries

The Power of Peer Learning
Blog Posts

The Power of Peer Learning

Workforce Leadership Profile: Advancing Equity Through Workforce Development with Clair Minson
Blog Posts

Workforce Leadership Profile: Advancing Equity Through Workforce Development with Clair Minson

Minson shares insights on systemic change, racial equity, and the evolution of leadership within the workforce development field.

Leveraging Small Business Owner’s Perspective on Job Quality: Utilizing A-B Partner’s Research Findings in the CDFI Industry
Blog Posts

Leveraging Small Business Owner’s Perspective on Job Quality: Utilizing A-B Partner’s Research Findings in the CDFI Industry

A crucial step to improve the quality of the jobs in small- to medium-sized businesses is gaining a deeper understanding of the perspective of these business owners themselves, taking into account their unique values and motivations.

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Blog Posts

Canary in the Coalmine: Are We Teaching the Wrong Skills?

By fostering intergenerational conversations with Gen Z, we can harness the collective wisdom of diverse perspectives.

Workforce Leadership Profile: Strengthening Communities Through Workforce Development with Stephen Tucker
Blog Posts

Workforce Leadership Profile: Strengthening Communities Through Workforce Development with Stephen Tucker

Strengthening Communities Through Workforce Development

About the Economic Opportunities Program

The Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program advances strategies, policies, and ideas to help low- and moderate-income people thrive in a changing economy.

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More from the Economic Opportunities Program

Foundational Skills: National Survey Findings
Publications

Foundational Skills: National Survey Findings

This publication examines how fragmented skills, credentialing, and workforce data systems limit the potential of skills-based hiring and advancement, and outlines a shared vision for building the interoperable infrastructure needed to create a connected skills ecosystem that benefits workers, employers, educators, and governments.

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Podcasts Videos

What Employee Ownership Means to Workers

This conversation is part of our Opportunity in America series, where we take a look at the economy, what’s working, what’s broken, and really how we fix it to make sure that everyone can succeed in today’s economy.

Resource Roundup: Wages and Affordability
Blog Posts
Room for Growth: A Survey of Upskilling Approaches — 2026 Analysis
Publications

Room for Growth: A Survey of Upskilling Approaches — 2026 Analysis

This publication examines how fragmented skills, credentialing, and workforce data systems limit the potential of skills-based hiring and advancement, and outlines a shared vision for building the interoperable infrastructure needed to create a connected skills ecosystem that benefits workers, employers, educators, and governments.

Building Economic Security: A Book Talk with Arindrajit Dube and Carrie Joy Grimes
Podcasts Videos

Building Economic Security: A Book Talk with Arindrajit Dube and Carrie Joy Grimes

Economic security shouldn’t be a lottery. Yet for millions of working families, stagnant wages and precarious jobs collide with the daily grind of managing money on shaky ground — leaving stability feeling less like a plan and more like a gamble. Fixing that takes more than one lever. It takes structural reform and the tools people need to take control of their financial lives, working together.

What Employee Ownership Means to Workers
Publications

What Employee Ownership Means to Workers

Insights from Focus Groups with Employee Owners