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.

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
Longform Publications Seven Workforce Questions that Are Top of Mind During COVID-19: A Resource for Small Businesses
First page (report cover) of "Creating Entrepreneurship Pathways for Opportunity Youth: Lessons From Del Norte and Tribal Lands, California"
Publications

Creating Entrepreneurship Pathways for Opportunity Youth: Lessons From Del Norte and Tribal Lands, California

We must create career pathways for opportunity youth that are responsive to their interests and aspirations.

October 12, 2020

Publications

Voices from the Field: Engaging Employers to Connect Young Adults to Good Fit Employment

Young workers are facing dire employment prospects. But asking employers the right questions can help identify opportunities.

October 2, 2020

Job Quality Tools Library Longform Publications

Job Quality Tools Library Feedback and Questions

We are eager to hear more about the tools or resources you have found helpful and how we can continue to improve the library.

September 11, 2020

Screenshot of the "Live Better U Skilled Trades Certificates" infographic
Publications

Live Better U Skilled Trades Certificates

This infographic describes Walmart’s skilled trades certificates program, offered through its Live Better U education benefit.

July 20, 2020

Screenshot of the first page of "An Equity Imperative: How the Workforce System Can Advance Workplace Health and Safety During and After Pandemic"
Publications

An Equity Imperative: How the Workforce System Can Advance Workplace Health and Safety During and After the Pandemic

Strengthening health, safety, and equity during the pandemic can set a foundation for better working conditions in the long term.

June 30, 2020

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Publications

Modernizing Tax Incentives for Employer-Provided Educational Assistance: Can Section 127 Help Prepare Workers for the Future of Work?

The tax exclusion for employer-provided educational assistance, located in Section 127 of the tax code, is one tool that allows employers to support their employees’ pursuit of education.

June 29, 2020

Longform Publications Section 4: Strengthening Practices to Improve Job Quality

Tools: Supportive Work Environment

View tools and resources related to a supportive work environment, a core dimension of job quality.

May 11, 2020

Longform Publications Section 4: Strengthening Practices to Improve Job Quality

Tools: Health Benefits

View tools related to health benefits, a core dimension of job quality.

May 11, 2020

Longform Publications Section 4: Strengthening Practices to Improve Job Quality

Tools: Paid Leave

View tools related to paid leave benefits, a core dimension of job quality.

May 11, 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.