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.

Podcasts Videos

Securing the Future of America’s Critical Industries

In this discussion from the 2025 Employee Ownership Ideas Forum, panelists discuss the critical role these industries play and how employee ownership can potentially help strengthen and retain these important sectors and the jobs they provide.

April 25, 2025

Videos

Aspen Institute President Dan Porterfield Speaks at the 2025 Employee Ownership Ideas Forum

In this clip, Aspen Institute President and CEO Dan Porterfield speaks at the 2025 Employee Ownership Ideas Forum.

April 25, 2025

Videos

Massachusetts Congresswoman Lori Trahan Speaks at the 2025 Employee Ownership Ideas Forum

In this clip, Massachusetts Congresswoman Lori Trahan speaks at the 2025 Employee Ownership Ideas Forum

April 25, 2025

Videos

Tammy Miller, former Lieutenant Governor of North Dakota, Speaks at the 2025 Employee Ownership Ideas Forum

In this clip, Tammy Miller, former lieutenant governor of North Dakota, speaks at the 2025 Employee Ownership Ideas Forum.

April 25, 2025

Videos

The Employee Ownership Agenda: Views From the Hill

A new Congress and presidential administration always bring about change for any issue. However, employee ownership stands out as unique because it has been an issue of strong bipartisan support. As this new Congress and administration begins, what is on the horizon for employee ownership? What are the legislative opportunities and challenges? Policy experts discuss these questions in this conversation from the 2025 Employee Ownership Ideas Forum.

April 25, 2025

Videos

AEI’s Alex Brill Speaks at the 2025 Employee Ownership Ideas Forum

In this clip, AEI’S Alex Brill speaks at the 2025 Employee Ownership Ideas Forum.

April 25, 2025

Videos

Fireside Chat: The Ownership Advantage

In this conversation from the 2025 Employee Ownership Ideas Forum, leaders from employee-owned companies discuss how ownership drives business success.

April 25, 2025

Videos

Jessica Gordon-Nembhard discusses her big idea for Employee Ownership

This video comes from the third Employee Ownership Ideas Forum, hosted by the Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program and the Rutgers Institute for the Study of Employee Ownership and Profit Sharing.

April 25, 2025

Videos

ESOP Association President Jim Bonham Speaks at the 2025 Employee Ownership Ideas Forum

In this clip, ESOP Association President Jim Bonham speaks at the 2025 Employee Ownership Ideas Forum.

April 25, 2025

Videos

ESCA President Stephanie Silverman Speaks at the 2025 Employee Ownership Ideas Forum

ESCA President Stephanie Silverman Speaks at the 2025 Employee Ownership Ideas Forum

April 25, 2025

Videos

Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen Speaks at the 2025 Employee Ownership Ideas Forum

In this clip, Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen speaks at the 2025 Employee Ownership Ideas Forum.

April 25, 2025

Videos

UNI’s Leslie Wilson Shares Her Big Idea for Employee Ownership

In this clip, UNI’s Leslie Wilson speaks at the 2025 Employee Ownership Ideas Forum.

April 25, 2025

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.