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.

Jamie Dimon: Why We’re Giving Our Employees a Raise
Blog Posts

Jamie Dimon: Why We’re Giving Our Employees a Raise

JPMorgan Chase is investing over $200 million on training for thousands of entry-level employees.

Walmart and Cengage Learning Deliver H.S. Diploma and Career Certificate Opportunities for Associates
Blog Posts

Walmart and Cengage Learning Deliver H.S. Diploma and Career Certificate Opportunities for Associates

Walmart’s Career Online High School offers high school diplomas and career credentials from associates’ first day of employment.

Cybersecurity 101: Educating Computer Scientists in Security
Blog Posts

Cybersecurity 101: Educating Computer Scientists in Security

AT&T is making critical investments in employees’ cybersecurity education.

Economic Opportunities Program – July 2016 Newsletter
Blog Posts

Economic Opportunities Program – July 2016 Newsletter

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

UpSkill America – The first year
Blog Posts

UpSkill America – The first year

I’ve learned a great deal about how employers are going about educating, training, and developing their workers.

Five Questions for Bonny Simi, Founder of JetBlue Scholars
Blog Posts

Five Questions for Bonny Simi, Founder of JetBlue Scholars

The innovative program offers crewmembers an opportunity to earn a college degree at almost no cost.

How FCA US LLC and Its Dealers Built a No-Cost College Degree Benefit Program
Blog Posts

How FCA US LLC and Its Dealers Built a No-Cost College Degree Benefit Program

The automaker removed upfront costs and tailored degree programs to busy work adults.

Talent Investments Pay Off at Large CommTech
Blog Posts

Talent Investments Pay Off at Large CommTech

A tech company gave employees over $100M in tuition assistance, and both the business and employees benefited as a result.

Making Good on a Promise to Mom, and Himself
Blog Posts

Making Good on a Promise to Mom, and Himself

Without a high school diploma, Jason Thackston felt his chances for advancement were limited. With Walmart, he saw opportunity – a career path.

Whole Foods Trains Associates for New 365 Store Openings with LearnUp
Blog Posts

Whole Foods Trains Associates for New 365 Store Openings with LearnUp

Whole Foods’ partnership with LearnUp will give applicants the opportunity to train for jobs online prior to being hired.

The Next Generation of Skills for America’s Future
Blog Posts

The Next Generation of Skills for America’s Future

Skills for America’s Future has been an important initiative of the Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program. At Celebrating Skill for America’s Future, we announced the next step for this initiative.

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Blog Posts

Reimagining Retail: Workforce Strategies for Cross-Sector Success

Because retail employs such a large portion of the American workforce, even small improvements to retail career pathways can expand opportunities for many low- and moderate-income workers, with positive implications for the economy overall.

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