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.

What’s new at the Economic Opportunities Program, May 2018
Blog Posts

What’s new at the Economic Opportunities Program, May 2018

Spring is here and we’ve sprung into action. Learn how EOP is helping people connect to and thrive in a changing economy.

Job Quality Fellowship Timetable
Blog Posts

Job Quality Fellowship Timetable

A list of key dates relating to the Economic Opportunities Program’s Job Quality Fellowship.

A businesswoman and businessman stand at a profile to the camera as they looks up at a large wooden ruler that is standing on its end inside a large room.
Blog Posts

Measuring Good Companies – Are You Ready?

A sizable segment of the finance and investment pool is aligning to support practical solutions to our economy’s inequities.

An Interview with Job Quality Fellow Walt Tobin
Blog Posts Longform

An Interview with Job Quality Fellow Walt Tobin

“Job quality is about business investing in workers. It’s about firms creating a workplace culture that values the skills and personhood of each worker.”

An Interview with Job Quality Fellow Mary Jo Cook
Blog Posts Longform

An Interview with Job Quality Fellow Mary Jo Cook

“As a society, we simply must do better at creating jobs that are good for workers, good for businesses, and good for communities.”

MGM Bets Big on Upskilling
Blog Posts

MGM Bets Big on Upskilling

What’s in the cards for MGM employees? A free college degree and a first-rate education.

An Interview with Job Quality Fellow Palak Shah
Blog Posts Longform

An Interview with Job Quality Fellow Palak Shah

“We are in a critical moment right now in terms of figuring out how we build an economy that works for all of us and how we can harness technology to do so.”

An Interview with Job Quality Fellow Liddy Romero
Blog Posts Longform

An Interview with Job Quality Fellow Liddy Romero

“Job quality matters for business success. For this reason, businesses should be involved in the solution.”

Kroger Innovates with “Educational Leave”
Blog Posts

Kroger Innovates with “Educational Leave”

The new benefit allows associates to take time off work to focus on approved studies, while maintaining their role with the company.

Bakery business owners working at laptop
Blog Posts

Chili’s Adds 250 Slots to New Apprenticeship Program

This is the first-ever earn-while-you-learn apprenticeship program created for the nation’s restaurant, foodservice and lodging industry.

Harley-Davidson Launches Youth Apprenticeship Program
Blog Posts

Harley-Davidson Launches Youth Apprenticeship Program

By giving students the chance to learn alongside factory staff, Harley is hoping to bring up the next generation of skilled trades.

McDonald’s Boosts Tuition Assistance for Employees
Blog Posts

McDonald’s Boosts Tuition Assistance for Employees

The $150 million investment will boost education support for 400,000 employees and their families.

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