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.

Cover page for the report, "Exploring Portable Worker Training: Opportunities, Challenges, and International Models"
Publications

Exploring Portable Worker Training: Opportunities, Challenges, and International Models

To build an inclusive future of work, we must build systems that promote lifelong learning.

May 18, 2021

Cover page: "To Build Back Better, Job Quality is the Key"
Publications

To Build Back Better, Job Quality Is the Key

We must build an economy where people can work with dignity, support themselves and their loved ones, and contribute to a healthy and thriving society.

April 14, 2021

Cover Page for the publication "Race and Gender Wealth Equity and the Role of Employee Share Ownership"
Publications

Race and Gender Wealth Equity and the Role of Employee Share Ownership

Employee ownership can promote equity, improve job quality, and boost business performance.

April 1, 2021

Cover page: "How Companies Transformed During 2020 and the Impact on Frontline Workers"
Publications

How Companies Transformed During 2020 and the Impact on Frontline Workers

Business leaders from a range of industries share how the events of 2020 influenced their business operations and workforce practices.

March 23, 2021

Cover page for the report "Unpacking the Work of Work-Based Learning"
Publications

Unpacking the Work of Work-Based Learning

February 22, 2021

Longform Publications Seven Workforce Questions that Are Top of Mind During COVID-19: A Resource for Small Businesses
Longform Publications Seven Workforce Questions that Are Top of Mind During COVID-19: A Resource for Small Businesses

How can I help my employees get to work safely?

November 18, 2020

Longform Publications Seven Workforce Questions that Are Top of Mind During COVID-19: A Resource for Small Businesses

Supporting Small Business Owners to Invest in Workers

November 18, 2020

Longform Publications

Seven Workforce Questions that Are Top of Mind During COVID-19: A Resource for Small Businesses

For small business owners, the safety and stability of their employees is essential for business survival.

November 18, 2020

Longform Publications Seven Workforce Questions that Are Top of Mind During COVID-19: A Resource for Small Businesses

How can I support my employees’ financial stability?

November 18, 2020

Longform Publications Seven Workforce Questions that Are Top of Mind During COVID-19: A Resource for Small Businesses

How can I help my employees manage increased stress?

November 18, 2020

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

Blog Posts

UpSkill America & Guild Announce Third Cohort of Education and Career Mobility Fellowship

“We are delighted to welcome this new class of Fellows,” said UpSkill America Senior Director Haley Glover. “Supporting these leaders, who are joining a thriving community of alumni, to advance in their work and careers creating real value for their organizations and opportunities for their workforces is so rewarding. This is an incredibly impressive group.”

Blog Posts Of Interest

National Job Quality Practitioner Survey

We’re in the last month of our #JobQuality survey. If your org is improving #JobQuality, add your voice to this survey from The Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program by December 31st.

Blog Posts

Institutional Investment and Employee Ownership

Of Interest

Transcript — Backsliding on Child Protections: The Return of Child Labor in the US

The following transcript comes from our webinar, “Backsliding on Child Protections: The Return of Child Labor in the US,” hosted by the Economic Opportunities Program on November 19, 2025.

Blog Posts

Job Quality Newsletter – Low Quality, High Costs

In this edition of the Job Quality Newsletter, we unpack why manufacturing jobs are often seen as desirable yet don’t consistently deliver on that promise, highlight research that shows how efforts to strengthen businesses can also improve the quality of jobs they provide, and consider how government purchasing power can be used to set higher job standards across the sector.

Blog Posts
Close-up photo of hands typing on a laptop keyboard
Publications

Upskilling Playbook: AI, Skill Development, and the Workforce

Leaders must view AI adoption as a development opportunity to redefine how capability is built, focusing on outcomes and consciously reinvesting capacity freed by automation to ensure growth and resilience for both the business and its people.