Publications and Commentary

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.

Blog Posts Of Interest

Economic Opportunities Program Newsletter, April 2020

We are in an extraordinary time. Learn how we’re working to advance opportunity in an uncertain economy.

April 9, 2020

Photo of interns greeting each other virtually over computer
Blog Posts Of Interest

Upskilling in the News: Microsoft Takes Internships Online

Despite the effects of COVID-19, Microsoft continues its upskilling efforts. Its 2020 internship is going virtual for 4,000 participants.

April 6, 2020

Hudson County Workforce Leadership Academy Fellows
Blog Posts Of Interest
Two Five Guys employees work at the cash register
Blog Posts Of Interest

Upskilling in the News: Five Guys Serves Up Free College Degrees

The new benefit includes tuition support for dozens of educational programs and access to a personal education coach.

February 25, 2020

All Things Work Podcast by SHRM
Blog Posts Podcasts

Jaime Fall talks upskilling on “All Things Work” podcast

Jaime Fall shares how upskilling can help companies stay competitive and examples of initiatives from around the country.

February 24, 2020

Yenis Blanco (Training Manager, McDonald’s) speaks at "Five Years of UpSkill America: What’s Next?" on January 21, 2020, at the Aspen Institute.
Blog Posts Of Interest

Economic Opportunities Program Newsletter, January 2020

Learn how we’re helping low- and moderate-income people thrive in a changing economy.

February 3, 2020

Woman on computer surrounded by data and charts
Blog Posts

Five Questions for Nicole Isaac, Senior Director of North America Policy, LinkedIn

What skills are most valuable for workers and employers? Here’s what the data says about the changing landscape of employment.

January 15, 2020

Woman in hard hat and reflector vest surrounded by technology symbols
Blog Posts

Foundational Digital Skills: An Equity Imperative

To create economic mobility for all Americans, we need an ecosystem focused on building the on-ramps for worker-learners to thrive.

January 7, 2020

Blog Posts

Upskilling Year in Review 2019

2019 was a banner year for upskilling, as businesses large and small embraced new opportunities for worker advancement.

January 2, 2020

Woman in graduation cap and gown staring into the distance
Blog Posts

The Importance of Upskilling During Economic Downturns

Upskilling reflects a company’s commitment to a better future, and its value becomes even more apparent during economic downturns.

December 17, 2019

Smiling woman in graduation cap and gown. Photo by Chichi Onyekanne on Unsplash.
Blog Posts

Three Things I Learned About Upskilling while at Discover Financial Services

By investing in education, Discover became a destination for advancement. Now hundreds of employees have started earning their degrees.

December 9, 2019

Karla Bruce and Harold Pettigrew speak at "Building a Democratic Economy: How Do We Create Prosperity for All?" (November 13, 2019)
Blog Posts Of Interest

Economic Opportunities Program Newsletter, November 2019

Learn how we’re helping low- and moderate-income people thrive in a changing economy.

December 1, 2019

About UpSkill America

UpSkill America, part 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. Connect with us on LinkedIn and learn more at upskillamerica.org.

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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