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.

Walmart Helps New Citizen Gain Training, Promotions, and Education
Blog Posts

Walmart Helps New Citizen Gain Training, Promotions, and Education

Jalal Almomar enhanced his education and employment through Walmart’s training & development programs.

Economic Opportunities Program – May 2016 Newsletter
Blog Posts

Economic Opportunities Program – May 2016 Newsletter

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

Talent Investments Pay Off at Cigna
Blog Posts

Talent Investments Pay Off at Cigna

Every dollar Cigna puts into educating its employees generates a 129 percent return on investment.

I thought retail jobs were a dead-end for economic mobility. I was wrong.
Blog Posts

I thought retail jobs were a dead-end for economic mobility. I was wrong.

Retail employs more people in the US than almost any other sector. Instead of focusing on what’s wrong with retail, it is time for all of us who care about economic mobility to recognize the unique role retail can play in expanding the middle class.

After One Year, McDonald’s Archways to Opportunity Enrolls More Than 5,000 People Seeking Education
Blog Posts

After One Year, McDonald’s Archways to Opportunity Enrolls More Than 5,000 People Seeking Education

McDonald’s has provided millions of dollars in tuition assistance for eligible employees to achieve their high school diplomas and college degrees.

America’s Growing Divide Between Work and Wealth
Blog Posts

America’s Growing Divide Between Work and Wealth

The central tenet of the American dream is the idea that if you work hard, you can succeed. Is this dream still attainable?

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Blog Posts

Young adult unemployment is a systemic problem that needs systemic solutions

Young people today face a tough job market. Many, especially those from poor communities, are struggling to find work. An estimated one in seven young adults in the US is out of school and not working.

Economic Opportunities Program – March 2016 Newsletter
Blog Posts

Economic Opportunities Program – March 2016 Newsletter

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

Teacher lecturing to a college classroom full of students
Blog Posts

UpSkilling America Through Adult Education Programs

Partnerships between employers and educators can help workers find new and better employment opportunities.

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Blog Posts

Will Workforce Development Succeed by Being Demand Driven?

In workforce development, the phrase “demand driven” is common.

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Blog Posts

There’s a New Way to Build Better Jobs: Start Local

Panelists discuss how a newer model of economic development increases economic opportunity and quality jobs for community residents.

Developing America’s Frontline Workers
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Developing America’s Frontline Workers

When frontline workers take advantage of development opportunities, it has a high correlation to market performance.

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