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
Cover page of the publication, "Employer Engagement in Learning and Employment Records"
Publications

Employer Engagement in Learning and Employment Records

This report describes the messages, themes, and tactics that show promise in building employer adoption of LERs.

August 30, 2023

first page of the UpSkill-PepsiCo publication
Publications
EO forum brief card is a picture of the EO forum brief
Publications
Publications

New Pathways at Intuit

Intuit’s Career Pathways Program, launched in partnership with AnitaB.org, supports diversity through training, mentorship, and community.

August 9, 2023

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Publications

How the Centennial State Is Leading on Employee Ownership: A Profile of Colorado’s Employee Ownership Office

In this brief, we discuss the strategies and practices implemented in Colorado to understand, support, and grow employee ownership.

May 31, 2023

Publications

Bridging the Digital Divide in Detroit

April 25, 2023

Cover of Work-and-Learn Models brief
Publications
Cover page of the publication, “Scaling Lending to Entrepreneurs of Color: Part II - Strategies and Operational Tactics for High-Volume Originations”
Publications

Scaling Lending to Entrepreneurs of Color: Part II – Strategies and Operational Tactics for High-Volume Originations

This paper shares key lessons on microloan origination, including practices of CDFIs that are originating thousands of loans annually.

March 14, 2023

Cover page of the publication, "Local College Partnerships in Education Benefit Programs"
Publications
Cover page of the publication, “Gig Worker Learning Project — Phase One Progress Report: Analysis of Existing Research and Recommendations”
Publications

Gig Worker Learning Project — Phase One Progress Report: Analysis of Existing Research and Recommendations

Inconsistent questions, terms, and definitions prevent a comprehensive understanding of who gig workers are and what they need.

February 8, 2023

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.