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.

The Human in the Machine — at Work
Blog Posts

The Human in the Machine — at Work

At this summer’s Aspen Ideas Festival, I had the great pleasure of facilitating a conversation with four Ideas Fest Fellows — young leaders in the fields of media, philanthropy, and economic policy — about their view of the future of work.

Graphic image featuring headshots of three speakers: Rachel Hockenberger, Sean-Tamba Matthew, and Kevin Clegg.
Blog Posts

Small Business, Community, and Local Ownership

Economic Opportunities Program Monthly Digest — July 2025
Blog Posts

Economic Opportunities Program Monthly Digest — July 2025

We are pleased to present a selection of our work from the past month, including videos, commentary, events, and more.

group of Fellows
Blog Posts

Moving Beyond a “Marriage” to Education

Last week, our second cohort of the Education and Career Mobility Fellowship gathered in Indianapolis for their third and final seminar. Over three days of discussion and collaboration, a clear theme emerged: the growth our fellows experienced was fueled by the power of their collective.

Local Leaders Advancing Workforce Development
Blog Posts

Local Leaders Advancing Workforce Development

Meet the over 100 Fellows — from six regions across the country — who are working toward systems change.

Resource Roundup: Algorithmic Management
Blog Posts
Abstract image of multicolored hexagon grid.
Blog Posts

Job Quality Newsletter – Strategies to Fix Work

In this edition of our Job Quality Newsletter, we explore how leaders are transforming jobs to prioritize equity, safety, and worker voice.

The Future of Labor: Rethinking the Playbook
Blog Posts

The Future of Labor: Rethinking the Playbook

According to Brunswick Group’s latest research, the traditional playbook for engaging working-class workers—especially younger ones—is rapidly becoming obsolete.

Resource Roundup: Artificial Intelligence
Blog Posts

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