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.

How Can People Lift Themselves Out of Poverty?
Blog Posts

How Can People Lift Themselves Out of Poverty?

Over three million people lifted themselves out of poverty in 2015. Experts tell us how to make it continue.

Raise the Minimum: New Strategies for Raising Wages and Labor Standards
Blog Posts

Raise the Minimum: New Strategies for Raising Wages and Labor Standards

Labor union leader David Rolf discusses his book and his ongoing work as a union organizer.

JetBlue's Chief Executive Officer and President, Robin Hayes congratulates the first graduates of JetBlue's employer-sponsored college degree program - JetBlue Scholars. (Photo: Business Wire)
Blog Posts

JetBlue Celebrates First Graduates of Its Employer-Sponsored College Degree Program

The program offers crewmembers the opportunity to earn a fully-accredited associate or bachelor’s degree with JetBlue covering most of the cost.

Walmart, Amazon and a nonprofit train the workforce of tomorrow
Blog Posts

Walmart, Amazon and a nonprofit train the workforce of tomorrow

Private sector actions are part of the strategy to combat income inequality and alleviate poverty.

Gap Inc. Announces Expansion of Internship Program
Blog Posts

Gap Inc. Announces Expansion of Internship Program

This Way Ahead empowers low-income teens and young adults with job readiness skills while generating business benefits for participating stores.

Philanthropy Won’t Solve Big Problems Unless It Stops Obsessing About Metrics
Blog Posts

Philanthropy Won’t Solve Big Problems Unless It Stops Obsessing About Metrics

Has philanthropy’s emphasis on measurable results detracted from goals that are not easily quantified?

Economic Opportunities Program – September 2016 Newsletter
Blog Posts

Economic Opportunities Program – September 2016 Newsletter

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

Working for a Stronger America
Blog Posts

Working for a Stronger America

We need a new system to restore the promise of work.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Announces One-Year Enrollment and Graduation Results of Free College Degree Program with College for America at SNHU
Blog Posts

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Announces One-Year Enrollment and Graduation Results of Free College Degree Program with College for America at SNHU

Full-time employees can earn an associate or bachelor’s degree at no cost.

Five Questions for Amazon’s Global Leader for Career Advancement, Juan Garcia
Blog Posts

Five Questions for Amazon’s Global Leader for Career Advancement, Juan Garcia

“Our aim is to help associates pursue their passions and their career goals, whether that means a career at Amazon or somewhere else.”

The Future of Work
Blog Posts

The Future of Work

There is palpable anger that the “Great American Bargain” is broken.

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