Workforce Strategies Initiative

Research and evaluation conducted by the Economic Opportunities Program’s Workforce Strategies Initiative explore strategies that help workers attain stability and mobility, including through training, education, and broader systems change. In the years since the end of the Great Recession, the unemployment rate has declined much faster than the poverty rate, and more and more Americans are struggling to find work that allows them to support themselves and their families. WSI’s current research explores “raise the floor and build ladders” strategies, which improve the quality of low-wage jobs and promote mobility for low-wage workers.

Latest Posts

Photo of a gavel with a hard hat, safety googles, and work gloves in the background.
Blog Posts

Celebrating and Reimagining Worker Rights this Labor Day

Every worker deserves a quality job. Let’s build a better future of work — with greater freedom, opportunity, and prosperity for all.

September 2, 2022

Photo of a gavel with a hard hat, safety googles, and work gloves in the background.
Blog Posts Of Interest

Celebrating And Reimagining Worker Rights This Labor Day

Every worker deserves a quality job. Let’s build a better future of work — with greater freedom, opportunity, and prosperity for all.

September 2, 2022

Photo of a gavel with a hard hat, safety googles, and work gloves in the background.
Blog Posts Videos

Celebrating and Reimagining Worker Rights this Labor Day

Every worker deserves a quality job. Let’s build a better future of work — with greater freedom, opportunity, and prosperity for all.

September 2, 2022

Blog Posts Of Interest

Economic Opportunities Program Newsletter, June 2022

Confronting inequity, restoring the promise of work, and broadening opportunities are essential to building a more free, just, and equitable world.

June 30, 2022

Blog Posts Of Interest

Economic Opportunities Program Newsletter, May 2022

Confronting inequity, restoring the promise of work, and broadening opportunities are essential to building a more free, just, and equitable world.

May 31, 2022

Events

Our Team


Maureen Conway

Vice President; Executive Director

Policy Programs

Matt Helmer

Managing Director

Policy Programs

Merrit Stüven

Associate Director

Policy Programs

Tony Mastria

Senior Communications Manager

Policy Programs

Colleen Cunningham

Director of Grants Management and Publications

Policy Programs

Amanda Fins

Senior Research Associate

Policy Programs

Sinin Young

Grants Management Associate

Policy Programs

About Us and Our Supporters

Click here to learn more about the Aspen Institute Workforce Strategies Initiative, our people, and how to support our work.

Our Projects

Explore WSI’s body of work, including current projects and activities.

Publications & Resources

Browse WSI’s catalog of research materials, including briefs, reports, stats, and more.

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