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

Upskilling in the News: Amazon Expands Its Fully-Funded Education Program for Employees

More than 140 colleges and universities have been added to the Career Choice program, which provides a fully funded education to participating employees.

March 3, 2022

Person welding and sparks flying
Blog Posts Of Interest

Upskilling in the News: PepsiCo Launches Debt-Free Education Program for Employees

PepsiCo will cover 100% of tuition costs, books, and fees for more than 100 flexible education and upskilling programs in its debt-free catalog.

March 2, 2022

Blog Posts Of Interest

Economic Opportunities Program Newsletter, February 2022

The pandemic and associated crises bring new urgency to our work to improve jobs, expand business ownership, and advance economic opportunity.

February 28, 2022

Blog Posts Of Interest

Upskilling in the News: Google and Social Finance Launch $100 Million Career Certificates Fund to Support Learners in Underserved Communities

The partnership with Social Finance will help learners in underserved communities earn industry-recognized credentials in data, IT, design, and more.

February 17, 2022

Photo of the sign outside Dollywood
Blog Posts Of Interest

Upskilling in the News: Herschend Enterprises Launches 100% Free Education Program for Employees

The new offering includes more than 100 diploma, degree, and certificate programs—all 100% free to Herschend Enterprises’ 11,000 employees.

February 8, 2022

Photo of a smiling nurse in an operating room
Blog Posts Of Interest

Upskilling in the News: UCHealth Launches Education Program to Make Career Advancement in Health Care More Accessible

Employees in the Ascend Career Program will have access to certifications, degrees, English language, and college prep—starting on day one of employment.

February 3, 2022

Blog Posts Of Interest

Economic Opportunities Program Newsletter, January 2022

The pandemic and associated crises bring new urgency to our work to improve jobs, expand business ownership, and advance economic opportunity.

January 31, 2022

Promotional graphic for a #DigitalSkills Twitter chat hosted by @JoinDigitalUS, @WorldEdUS and @upskillamerica.
Blog Posts

Recap: #DigitalSkills Twitter Chat

On December 16, we hosted a Twitter chat on efforts to advance digital resilience and equity. Here are some highlights from the discussion.

January 26, 2022

Blog Posts Of Interest

Upskilling in the News: Hilton Announces New Education Benefit in Partnership with Guild Education

Nearly 45,000 team members will have access to the new platform, which offers high school completion, college degrees, certifications, and more.

January 19, 2022

Image featuring the Kohl's and Guild Education logos. Background photo shows graduates throwing their caps in the air.
Blog Posts Of Interest

Upskilling in the News: Kohl’s Announces New Education Benefit Program that Covers Tuition, Books and Other Fees for Eligible Full and Part Time Associates

The program will cover 100% of tuition, books, and fees for programs in business, technology, high school completion, college prep, English, and more.

January 12, 2022

Photo of a smartphone with the Twitter logo on screen. Photo by Jeremy Bezanger on Unsplash.
Blog Posts Of Interest

New Year, New Twitter Handle

Improving work can promote equity, healthy families, and a strong economy. Our new Twitter handle @AspenJobQuality reflects this long-running goal.

January 10, 2022

Screenshot of the cover page for the report, "Digital Skills Discussion Guide"
Publications

Digital Skills Discussion Guide: A Tool for Workforce Service Providers

As workers adapt to a more digital workplace, workforce providers can learn how employers are integrating technology and upskilling their employees.

December 29, 2021

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.

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.