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.

Woman serving customer at the counter in a clothing store
Blog Posts

Reimagining the Future of Retail Work

Working Scholar graduate celebrates in front of the Study.com logo
Blog Posts

Working Scholars Celebrates First Class of Graduates

The program helps California residents earn a college degree at no cost.

Disney employee holds up a sticker that says "Disney Aspire. Dreams within reach. Aspire.Disney.com"
Blog Posts

Disney Celebrates One-Year Anniversary of “Aspire” Education Program

Disney Aspire helps employees advance their education for free, including nearly 300 academic paths at 11 different schools.

Rick Plympton, Job Quality Fellow
Blog Posts Longform

Rick Plympton, Job Quality Fellow

Optimax’s mission drives its job quality approach, including good benefits, profit sharing, and continuous learning.

Two Businesswomen Using Laptop In Boardroom Meeting
Blog Posts

Job Quality and Inclusive Growth: Introduction to the Job Quality Fellows Pointing the Way Forward

Changes in the economy are making job quality more important than ever for the advancement of inclusive growth.

Angelina Drake, Job Quality Fellow
Blog Posts Longform

Angelina Drake, Job Quality Fellow

Angelina Drake knows the struggles that home care workers face; she was one. Now she’s fighting to raise job quality in this large and growing industry.

Sarah Kalloch, Job Quality Fellow
Blog Posts Longform

Sarah Kalloch, Job Quality Fellow

Businesses that adopt the Good Jobs Strategy not only invest in workers, but also improve employee productivity, motivation, and contribution.

Reimagining Employer Engagement Toolkit
Blog Posts Publications

Reimagining Employer Engagement Toolkit

The toolkit provides practical information and tools to help employers recruit and retain a high-quality workforce.

Maureen Conway speaks at " Help Wanted: Building Opportunity in Today's Labor Market," a panel discussion hosted by the City Club of Cleveland on August 2, 2019.
Blog Posts

Maureen Conway Talks Opportunity in Ohio

Panel of speakers at “What’s in Store? The Future of Retail Work(ers)," presented by the Economic Opportunities Program and Pacific Community Ventures in San Francisco
Blog Posts

What’s new at the Economic Opportunities Program, July 2019

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

Two warehouse workers give each other a high five.
Blog Posts Podcasts

Jaime Fall Talks Upskilling on the Workforce Central Podcast

Jaime Fall discusses the trends driving companies to invest in upskilling and the growing array of programs being offered in this space.

Students at graduation ceremony
Blog Posts

ManpowerGroup Offers GEDs to Employees

With prep courses, practice tests, and personal coaching, associates can earn their diploma within weeks.

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