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.

Photo: A smiling Target team member wearing a red Target shirt, black face mask and blue gloves, standing behind a Plexiglass shield at the Order Pickup counter
Blog Posts

Upskilling in the News: Target Launching Debt-Free Education Assistance Program to More Than 340,000 Frontline Team Members

340,000 employees are eligible for debt-free assistance for select undergraduate degrees, certificates, and certifications on their first day of work.

The Latino Digital Skills Divide: Current Landscape and Call to Action
Blog Posts

The Latino Digital Skills Divide: Current Landscape and Call to Action

This is a unique opportunity to identify and promote pathways toward digital inclusion for Latino workers, contributing to a robust and sustainable recovery of the American economy.

Economic Opportunities Program Newsletter, July 2021
Blog Posts

Economic Opportunities Program Newsletter, July 2021

The COVID-19 crisis brings new urgency to our work to improve jobs, expand business ownership, and advance economic opportunity.

Upskilling in the News: Walmart to Pay 100% of College Tuition and Books for Associates
Blog Posts

Upskilling in the News: Walmart to Pay 100% of College Tuition and Books for Associates

Walmart agrees to pay 100% of college tuition and books, giving 1.5 million associates the opportunity to earn degrees or learn trade skills for free.

The Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program Supports Governors Through Workforce Innovation Network
Blog Posts

The Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program Supports Governors Through Workforce Innovation Network

We’re excited to work with partners on expanding opportunity and enhancing job quality for all workers.

Economic Opportunities Program Newsletter, June 2021
Blog Posts

Economic Opportunities Program Newsletter, June 2021

The COVID-19 crisis brings new urgency to our work to improve jobs, expand business ownership, and advance economic opportunity.

Child care worker with two young kids
Blog Posts

Building an Infrastructure of Care

One of the most important networks undergirding the US economy isn’t made of concrete or fiber-optic cable. We should give it the respect it requires.

A Historic Moment for the Care Economy
Blog Posts

A Historic Moment for the Care Economy

How can policy contribute to building a care economy that dignifies the work of caregivers and expands access to quality, affordable care?

America Has a Jobs Problem — There Aren’t Enough Good Ones
Blog Posts

America Has a Jobs Problem — There Aren’t Enough Good Ones

It is past time to update federal policy and support all of our workforce in a way that matches its skills, talents and contributions to America’s success.

Economic Opportunities Program Newsletter, May 2021
Blog Posts

Economic Opportunities Program Newsletter, May 2021

The COVID-19 crisis brings new urgency to our work to improve jobs, expand business ownership, and advance economic opportunity.

Photo of a man using an app on his smartphone to complete a delivery. He is riding a bicycle while carrying a backpack and a paper shopping bag.
Blog Posts

Portable Benefits Discourse Distracts from Gig Companies’ Power Play

Portable benefits can be essential, but they should be centered on workers and their needs—not drafted for the convenience of corporations.

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