Case Studies

UpSkill America supports employers and workforce organizations to expand and improve high-quality educational and career advancement opportunities for America’s front-line workers.

UpSkill America, an initiative of the Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program, supports employers and workforce organizations to expand and improve high-quality educational and career advancement opportunities for America’s front-line workers.

We seek to create a movement of employers, civic organizations, workforce intermediaries, and policymakers working collaboratively to implement education, training, and development strategies that result in better jobs and opportunities for front-line workers, more competitive businesses, and stronger communities.

Publications

Driving Value through Innovation: Verified Credential Insights from Cisive PreCheck

Cisive’s work to utilize and issue digital credentials is supported by the Velocity Network, a blockchain-based utility layer governed by member organizations that enables secure, portable storage and sharing of digital credentials.

April 3, 2025

Publications

Legacy and Community Engagement Leads to Impact: How Mickey’s Popcorn Prioritizes Work-Based Learning to Grow Their Business

In this interview, Dr. Penny Smith-Mickey shares the story behind Mickey’s Popcorn, its commitment to workforce development, and how the company scaled into a growing enterprise leveraging apprenticeships. As a small business, Mickey’s Popcorn is a shining example of how employers can use skills-based practices to drive value for their business and employees.

April 1, 2025

first page of the UpSkill-PepsiCo publication
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

Publications

Bridging the Digital Divide in Detroit

April 25, 2023

Cover page of the publication, “Case Study: Next Generation Apprenticeships at Aon”
Publications

Case Study: Next Generation Apprenticeships at Aon

Aon’s apprenticeship program has helped hundreds of graduates achieve full-time employment, with competitive wages and exceptional benefits.

February 7, 2023

Cover page of the publication, “Case Study: Taking a Role Virtual at Lee Health”
Publications

Case Study: Taking a Role Virtual at Lee Health

Through effective upskilling and thoughtful implementation, Lee Health has improved job quality, cost savings, and capacity.

January 24, 2023

Cover page of the publication, “Case Study: Upskilling Around Automation at The Hartford”
Publications

Case Study: Upskilling Around Automation at The Hartford

Rather than downsizing its workforce, The Hartford took used automation to reform roles, fill different needs, and enable workers to do more.

January 10, 2023

About UpSkill America

UpSkill America, an initiative of the Economic Opportunities Program, supports employers and workforce organizations to expand and improve high-quality educational and career advancement opportunities for America’s front-line workers.

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.

Join Our Mailing List

To receive occasional emails about our work — including new publications, commentary, events, fellowships, and more — join our mailing list.

Connect on Social Media

For news and updates every day, connect with us on the social media platform of your choice.

More from UpSkill America

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.

Publications
Publications

Durable Skills, Strong Starts: What Employers Really Want from Early- Career Talent

This piece is the first in a series. We will release additional briefs over the coming months that dive deeper into findings.

Publications

Employer-Friendly Practices: Bridging Higher Ed Practices and Employer Realities

This paper is the first in a series. It elevates the specific issues that employers indicate are key enablers or inhibitors in their relationships and partnerships with colleges and universities.