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.

To Fix the Education System We Need Good Jobs
Blog Posts

To Fix the Education System We Need Good Jobs

Our education system cannot function properly if working families cannot support themselves.

Well-Paid Maids: Startup Advances Social and Business Mission
Blog Posts

Well-Paid Maids: Startup Advances Social and Business Mission

This startup is turning the home cleaning industry’s model on its head by looking out for its workers’ financial well-being.

Maintaining the American Dream Means Reconnecting Work and Wealth
Blog Posts

Maintaining the American Dream Means Reconnecting Work and Wealth

In our changing world, hard work over a lifetime doesn’t always lead to financial security and prosperity.

Shaping the Future for Black Workers Means Confronting Our History
Blog Posts

Shaping the Future for Black Workers Means Confronting Our History

Improving equity in the US workforce requires us to confront stereotypes about the Black community.

Number of GEDWorks Graduates Surpasses 2,000
Blog Posts

Number of GEDWorks Graduates Surpasses 2,000

More than 2,000 students have earned their GED credential through employers like KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and Walmart.

Economic Opportunities Program – November 2017 Newsletter
Blog Posts

Economic Opportunities Program – November 2017 Newsletter

The latest news & announcements from the Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program.

The US Must Improve its Long-Term Care Industry
Blog Posts

The US Must Improve its Long-Term Care Industry

The aging US population is growing. By 2050, 70 percent will require long-term care.

Creating a New Golden Age for American Workers
Blog Posts

Creating a New Golden Age for American Workers

Rick Wartzman’s new book examines the erosion of the social contract between employers and employees.

Three Reasons Why Rising Pay Won’t Pummel Profits
Blog Posts

Three Reasons Why Rising Pay Won’t Pummel Profits

The strategy of minimizing labor costs to maximize profits in the short term should be taken with a grain of salt.

Manpower Offers Career-Focused Degrees, Helping People Learn In-Demand Skills for the Future of Work
Blog Posts

Manpower Offers Career-Focused Degrees, Helping People Learn In-Demand Skills for the Future of Work

Associates can advance their careers in high growth sectors like cyber security, IT, and health administration.

The Retail Marathon – People, Practices, Power, Performance
Blog Posts

The Retail Marathon – People, Practices, Power, Performance

Charm City Run in Baltimore can teach other companies how to achieve success both financially and for workers.

Announcing the Job Quality Fellowship Class of 2017-18
Blog Posts

Announcing the Job Quality Fellowship Class of 2017-18

The Job Quality Fellowship aims to support and strengthen the work of leaders dedicated to expanding access to and availability of better quality jobs in our economy.

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