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.

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Blog Posts Podcasts
Blog Posts

The Future of Work Demands a New Playbook for Upskilling

The future of work demands more than updates, it calls for a bold new upskilling playbook built for speed, scale, and real-world impact.

May 21, 2025

Blog Posts

Job Quality Newsletter – Practical Tools for Better Jobs

In this edition of our Job Quality Newsletter, we explore new tools, resources, and strategies to advance job quality in your organization.

May 20, 2025

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Blog Posts

The Future of Talent Development: Reimagining Systems for 2025 and Beyond

To create a future-ready workforce system, we must move beyond outdated credentials and analog processes to one that is skills-first, transparent, data-driven, and aligned with the evolving needs of workers, educators, and employers.

May 19, 2025

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Blog Posts Podcasts

Job Quality as a Part of CDFI’s Mission

May 19, 2025

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Blog Posts Podcasts

Job Quality and Cultural Context

May 19, 2025

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Blog Posts

Refreshing the Playbook: UpSkill America’s Guide to Building Programs with Lasting Impact

UpSkill America is refreshing its playbook to help workers and employers thrive in a rapidly changing world of work.

May 15, 2025

Blog Posts

Economic Opportunities Program Monthly Digest — April 2025

We are pleased to present a selection of our work from the past month, including videos, commentary, events, and more.

May 2, 2025

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

Blog Posts

UpSkill America & Guild Announce Third Cohort of Education and Career Mobility Fellowship

“We are delighted to welcome this new class of Fellows,” said UpSkill America Senior Director Haley Glover. “Supporting these leaders, who are joining a thriving community of alumni, to advance in their work and careers creating real value for their organizations and opportunities for their workforces is so rewarding. This is an incredibly impressive group.”

Blog Posts Of Interest

National Job Quality Practitioner Survey

We’re in the last month of our #JobQuality survey. If your org is improving #JobQuality, add your voice to this survey from The Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program by December 31st.

Blog Posts

Institutional Investment and Employee Ownership

Of Interest

Transcript — Backsliding on Child Protections: The Return of Child Labor in the US

The following transcript comes from our webinar, “Backsliding on Child Protections: The Return of Child Labor in the US,” hosted by the Economic Opportunities Program on November 19, 2025.

Blog Posts

Job Quality Newsletter – Low Quality, High Costs

In this edition of the Job Quality Newsletter, we unpack why manufacturing jobs are often seen as desirable yet don’t consistently deliver on that promise, highlight research that shows how efforts to strengthen businesses can also improve the quality of jobs they provide, and consider how government purchasing power can be used to set higher job standards across the sector.

Blog Posts
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Publications

Upskilling Playbook: AI, Skill Development, and the Workforce

Leaders must view AI adoption as a development opportunity to redefine how capability is built, focusing on outcomes and consciously reinvesting capacity freed by automation to ensure growth and resilience for both the business and its people.