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.

An Interview with Job Quality Fellow J.D. LaRock
Blog Posts Longform

An Interview with Job Quality Fellow J.D. LaRock

“People are looking for some simple things. They want a job that enables them to earn a good enough wage so they can support their families and build wealth. And they want a career with an advancement pathway.”

An Interview with Job Quality Fellow Anjali Sakaria
Blog Posts Longform

An Interview with Job Quality Fellow Anjali Sakaria

“We need to focus not just on upskilling workers, but also on ensuring that there are more good jobs available to workers.”

Three people in a library reading a piece of paper.
Blog Posts

Business investment in upskilling for incumbent workers: lessons from a Pre-Lean ESOL Program in Massachusetts

Helping English learners participate in training can improve their earnings and boost the bottom line.

An Interview with Job Quality Fellow Jenny Riggenbach
Blog Posts Longform

An Interview with Job Quality Fellow Jenny Riggenbach

“When we invest in each other, we build wealth and strong communities.”

Hemant Bhagwani, owner of The Indian Street Food Co. in Toronto, Ontario.
Blog Posts

Household Prosperity Is Our Key Indicator Of Economic Growth Stimuli

Despite all the hopeful economic indicators right now, the future of widespread prosperity seems more in peril than ever before.

Group of workers in business attire talking around conference table.
Blog Posts

Solving the Talent Shortage: Build, Buy, Borrow and Bridge

Over half of companies in a recent ManpowerGroup report are investing in learning platforms and development tools.

Laptop on desk
Blog Posts

Four Myths About the Future of Work

To prepare for the future of work, we must understand its history first.

Group of workers in business attire talking around conference table.
Blog Posts

U.S. L&D Report: 2018: Benchmark Your Workplace Learning Strategy

findcourses.com surveyed companies like Getty Images, Johnson & Johnson, and Fidelity to identify trends of high-performing departments.

Ryan Dickerson, Metropolitan College participant. Photo by Jason Polete.
Blog Posts

20 years, thousands of degrees: UPS’ college program enters third decade

UPS’ Metropolitan College program has helped more than 5,000 workers earn certificates or degrees.

Worker behind counter in fish market
Blog Posts Podcasts

Joyce Klein talks reentry and entrepreneurship on the “Own It” podcast

On the “Own It” podcast, Joyce Klein describes how business ownership can help the formerly incarcerated reenter their communities.

Gavel on white background
Blog Posts

Shaping the Future of Work: California Top Court Decision

Moving labor costs off a business’s budget doesn’t make them disappear — it shifts them to the backs of workers, their families, & taxpayers.

Two people shaking hands
Blog Posts

Why We Need “Now Jobs” in Workforce Development

Across the country, providers are working in new ways to identify and cultivate job opportunities that meet a range of young adults’ needs.

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