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.

Expanding Employment Pathways through Impact Hiring
Blog Posts

Expanding Employment Pathways through Impact Hiring

Impact hiring can create business advantage through hiring and developing individuals who face barriers to economic opportunity.

Puzzle with missing piece that says "Student Loans"
Blog Posts

College-Business Partnerships Can Solve The Higher Education Affordability Crisis

A handful of innovative colleges are teaming up with employers to support working students.

Woman standing behind counter at a retail store
Blog Posts

National Retail Federation Foundation Launches RISE Up (Retail Industry Skills & Education)

RISE Up will help people acquire the skills they need to secure jobs in retail and advance into promising careers.

How Do We Make More Jobs Good Jobs?
Blog Posts

How Do We Make More Jobs Good Jobs?

As we greet 2017, one clear message is that America has a jobs problem. It’s not that we don’t have enough jobs, but that we don’t have enough good jobs.

Economic Opportunities Program – January 2017 Newsletter
Blog Posts

Economic Opportunities Program – January 2017 Newsletter

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

Row of pencils of different sizes
Blog Posts

Why You Should Be Investing in Your Employees’ Education

With a greater emphasis on supporting your workers’ adult education, you can bolster your business and hope to see a return on investment.

The Racial Wealth Gap Hurts Entrepreneurs of Color – and the Economy
Blog Posts

The Racial Wealth Gap Hurts Entrepreneurs of Color – and the Economy

Despite the difficulties that African American and Latino entrepreneurs face, there are ways that businesses and policymakers can lower the barriers.

Goldman Sachs building
Blog Posts

Five Questions for Katherine Jollon Colsher, National Director, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses

Goldman Sachs is supporting entrepreneurs and upskilling through its 10,000 Small Businesses initiative.

Small Businesses Need—And Support—Employees With Additional Training and Credentialing
Blog Posts

Small Businesses Need—And Support—Employees With Additional Training and Credentialing

Small business owners are willing to act to ensure they have the skilled workers they need to run their businesses.

How Trump Can Help Workers
Blog Posts

How Trump Can Help Workers

President-elect Trump should work to reinvigorate overtime rules.

Five Questions for Marie Davis, Manager, National Recruitment Programs and Partnerships at Chipotle Mexican Grill
Blog Posts

Five Questions for Marie Davis, Manager, National Recruitment Programs and Partnerships at Chipotle Mexican Grill

In this interview with Chipotle’s Marie Davis, learn how the company approaches upskilling and the role it plays in recruitment.

5 Reasons to Double-Down on Employee Development in 2017
Blog Posts

5 Reasons to Double-Down on Employee Development in 2017

Every employee could benefit from learning new skills and progressing along their career path.

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.

Join Our Mailing List

To receive occasional emails about our work — including new publications, commentary, events, fellowships, and more — join our mailing list.

Connect on Social Media

For news and updates every day, connect with us on the social media platform of your choice.

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.

Placeholder
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