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 of interns greeting each other virtually over computer
Blog Posts

Upskilling in the News: Microsoft Takes Internships Online

Despite the effects of COVID-19, Microsoft continues its upskilling efforts. Its 2020 internship is going virtual for 4,000 participants.

The Most Vulnerable Small Businesses and Communities Will Be Left Behind Without Targeted Action: The Fed and Treasury Can Make Sure They Are Not
Blog Posts

The Most Vulnerable Small Businesses and Communities Will Be Left Behind Without Targeted Action: The Fed and Treasury Can Make Sure They Are Not

Learn how small businesses struggle to access funding during crises and the importance of targeted financial support.

Restaurant worker sits in an empty restaurant, looking sad.
Blog Posts

This Time Do Everything

The individuals most impacted by the economic effects of COVID-19 are those least equipped to sustain the hit.

Hudson County Workforce Leadership Academy Fellows
Blog Posts
Two Five Guys employees work at the cash register
Blog Posts

Upskilling in the News: Five Guys Serves Up Free College Degrees

The new benefit includes tuition support for dozens of educational programs and access to a personal education coach.

All Things Work Podcast by SHRM
Blog Posts Podcasts

Jaime Fall talks upskilling on “All Things Work” podcast

Jaime Fall shares how upskilling can help companies stay competitive and examples of initiatives from around the country.

Yenis Blanco (Training Manager, McDonald’s) speaks at "Five Years of UpSkill America: What’s Next?" on January 21, 2020, at the Aspen Institute.
Blog Posts

Economic Opportunities Program Newsletter, January 2020

Learn how we’re helping low- and moderate-income people thrive in a changing economy.

Joyce Klein Talks Small Business Loans on Money.com
Blog Posts

Joyce Klein Talks Small Business Loans on Money.com

In an article for Money.com, Joyce Klein cautions that entrepreneurs must be wary when evaluating small business loans.

Woman on computer surrounded by data and charts
Blog Posts

Five Questions for Nicole Isaac, Senior Director of North America Policy, LinkedIn

What skills are most valuable for workers and employers? Here’s what the data says about the changing landscape of employment.

Woman in hard hat and reflector vest surrounded by technology symbols
Blog Posts

Foundational Digital Skills: An Equity Imperative

To create economic mobility for all Americans, we need an ecosystem focused on building the on-ramps for worker-learners to thrive.

Upskilling Year in Review 2019
Blog Posts

Upskilling Year in Review 2019

2019 was a banner year for upskilling, as businesses large and small embraced new opportunities for worker advancement.

Woman in graduation cap and gown staring into the distance
Blog Posts

The Importance of Upskilling During Economic Downturns

Upskilling reflects a company’s commitment to a better future, and its value becomes even more apparent during economic downturns.

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