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 Glass Floor
Publications

The Glass Floor

Economist Richard Reeves explains how the top 20 percent are hoarding the American Dream.

Background Information on the Future of Work in Retail
Publications

Background Information on the Future of Work in Retail

How will changes in the retail industry — in technology, business strategies, and customer preferences — affect frontline workers?

Long Run: People Practices Power Running Store’s Performance
Publications

Long Run: People Practices Power Running Store’s Performance

Charm City Run is a top performer in the retail market. And its people make it possible.

Money Talks: Can Business Decisions Align with Social Needs?
Publications

Money Talks: Can Business Decisions Align with Social Needs?

Can systems develop to allow economic actors—businesses and investors—to do both well and good?

Planning for Success
Publications

Planning for Success

Through careful planning, precise execution, and clear communication, you can greatly improve the chances that your upskilling program will succeed.

Program Profile: Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection
Publications
Models of Upskilling: Apprenticeship
Publications

Models of Upskilling: Apprenticeship

Measure and recognize managers as coaches
Publications

Measure and recognize managers as coaches

Upskilling Done Right
Publications

Upskilling Done Right

Even if your company is already investing in the education, training, and development of its workers, does it maximize the impact and benefits of these investments?

Society needs upskilling
Publications

Society needs upskilling

Program Profile: Kroger Manufacturing Apprenticeship
Publications
Employees expect upskilling
Publications

Employees expect upskilling

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