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.

Economic Opportunities Program – September 2017 Newsletter
Blog Posts

Economic Opportunities Program – September 2017 Newsletter

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

Chipotle Adds Upskilling to Its Menu
Blog Posts

Chipotle Adds Upskilling to Its Menu

Over the last academic year, Chipotle has seen marked increases in retention & internal promotion rates.

When filling vacancies, don’t overlook current employees
Blog Posts

When filling vacancies, don’t overlook current employees

Learning should be an ongoing process that’s woven into the fabric of each company’s culture and objectives.

Maybe Consider the Company’s Practices When Diagnosing Its Challenges
Blog Posts

Maybe Consider the Company’s Practices When Diagnosing Its Challenges

If companies want the profits that come with an engaged and productive workforce, then they must invest in that workforce.

Mercy Health: Using Evidence to Drive Hiring and Advancement
Blog Posts

Mercy Health: Using Evidence to Drive Hiring and Advancement

How can healthcare employers measure the impact of their investments on frontline workers?

Economic Inequality and the Future of Democracy: Tracking the Conversation
Blog Posts

Economic Inequality and the Future of Democracy: Tracking the Conversation

At the heart of much of the discussion were the declining fortunes of the middle class and what prolonged income stagnation and lost economic mobility might mean for our democracy.

Who Can Access the American Dream?
Blog Posts

Who Can Access the American Dream?

Richard Reeves says its time to stop thinking of the US as a meritocracy.

Building Economic Security Through Work and Wealth
Blog Posts

Building Economic Security Through Work and Wealth

Reflections on the Aspen Institute’s Economic Security Summit.

Independent Workers Need Paid Leave Too
Blog Posts

Independent Workers Need Paid Leave Too

Earlier this month, Washington Governor Jay Inslee signed into law a bipartisan plan to guarantee family and medical leave to workers in the state. Importantly, this plan includes a provision that allows self-employed workers to buy into the system. As our national conversation on family and medical leave heats up, policymakers should learn from state experiences and ensure that these programs include independent workers.

How Cash-Strapped Local Governments Target the Poor
Blog Posts

How Cash-Strapped Local Governments Target the Poor

Struggling cities are increasingly relying on steep fines and penalties that take a toll on those who can least afford them.

Economic Opportunities Program – July 2017 Newsletter
Blog Posts

Economic Opportunities Program – July 2017 Newsletter

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

Honey, I Shrunk the Recidivism Rate
Blog Posts

Honey, I Shrunk the Recidivism Rate

A social enterprise on Chicago’s west side puts the formerly incarcerated back to work as beekeepers and honey harvesters.

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