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.

Small graduation cap on a computer keyboard
Blog Posts

From Tuition Reimbursement to Tuition Disbursement: Key Components and Considerations

Changing the way your business runs its tuition assistance program can make it easier for employees to learn new skills.

September 5, 2018

Student in graduation cap and gown, holding a diploma
Blog Posts

Why Discover Is Giving Its Employees a Free College Degree

Discover’s new college tuition program opens the door for any eligible employee to earn a fully-paid college degree.

September 5, 2018

Blog Posts

Playbook Update #3 – Upskilling from A to Z

2018 has been a great year for upskilling. Dozens of companies have launched or expanded their upskilling programs.

August 29, 2018

Smiling McDonald's employee
Blog Posts Of Interest

McDonald’s Sets Global Goal to Reduce Barriers to Employment for Two Million Youth

Youth Opportunity will offer pre-employment job readiness training, employment opportunities, and workplace development programs.

August 22, 2018

Walt Disney statue and Mickey Mouse statue at Disneyland in Orlando
Blog Posts Of Interest

Disney Invests in Employees’ Futures with Unprecedented Education Program

Disney Aspire offers hourly employees a wide array of disciplines and diplomas—with tuition paid upfront.

August 21, 2018

Saida Amozgar, HR and Risk Supervisor for the City of Perris, California
Blog Posts Of Interest

Perris, California, Offers College Degrees to City Employees

What does upskilling look like at the local level? Study.com’s Civic Scholars program offers city employees a free education.

August 20, 2018

Exterior of a Walmart store
Blog Posts Of Interest

How Walmart rebranded development as an employee benefit

An investment in staff development—like Walmart’s Dollar a Day program—can be a potent attraction and retention tool.

August 14, 2018

Mike Cooper, a Coast Guard veteran and new Amazon employee, at a ceremony for graduates of an apprenticeship program that trains military veterans for technology jobs at Amazon. Seated are Jennifer Carlson, of the Washington Technology Industry Association, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee and Ardine Williams, an Amazon vice president. (Jordan Stead / Amazon)
Blog Posts Of Interest

Amazon welcomes first graduates of program to turn veterans into technologists

Amazon’s new apprenticeship program shepherds veterans into technology jobs.

August 8, 2018

Panel of speakers from our event on employee ownership, May 2018
Blog Posts Of Interest

What’s new at the Economic Opportunities Program, July 2018

What’s new at EOP? Learn how we’re helping people connect to and thrive in a changing economy.

July 26, 2018

Man Sitting on White Chair Pointing on Tablet Screen Inside Room
Blog Posts Of Interest

ManpowerGroup Signs Workforce Development Pledge to Upskill More than 130,000 U.S. Workers

The commitment will help people upskill for a future world of work that is more digital and fast-paced than ever before.

July 23, 2018

Auto worker welding a car
Blog Posts Podcasts

Producing a Sustainable, Highly Skilled Workforce

The National Coalition of Certification Centers is developing partnerships with educational institutions in transportation, energy, and aviation.

July 23, 2018

Young woman with graduation hat, plus text "Key Elements of Successful Tuition Assistance Programs: A New Model for Workforce Development"
Blog Posts

Key Elements of Successful Tuition Assistance Programs: A New Model for Workforce Development

A new approach by UpSkill America & i4cp can help employers meet the need for an agile workforce of continuous learners.

July 18, 2018

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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