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.

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Publications

Addressing the Capitalization and Financial Constraints of CDFI Microlenders

Microlending fills a vital role in creating opportunity and equity in low-income communities, and in meeting demand for loans among entrepreneurs who have face barriers accessing credit: people of color and women.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Unpacking the Work of Work-Based Learning

How can I recognize and respond to my employees’ caregiving responsibilities?
Longform Publications
How can I help my employees get to work safely?
Longform Publications

How can I help my employees get to work safely?

Supporting Small Business Owners to Invest in Workers
Longform Publications

Supporting Small Business Owners to Invest in Workers

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

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

How can I support my employees’ financial stability?
Longform Publications

How can I support my employees’ financial stability?

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