Ben Wilterdink
Director of Programs Ben Wilterdink has written numerous articles, op-eds, and analyses for the Archbridge Institute in several different outlets, on topics ranging from occupational licensing to youth employment.
A New Study Dives Deep into Race and Economic Mobility in America
Raj Chetty and his team of economists at the Equality of Opportunity Project have released a new report on race and economic mobility, with findings that have everyone talking. Director of Programs Ben Wilterdink discusses its key findings and some reactions from around the web in a post on Medium.
These Skills Might Just Save Your Job From the Robots
In a blog post for America’s Future Foundation, Director of Programs Ben Wilterdink explains that the way to keep up with our increasingly service-based economy is to gain the soft skills — also known as non-cognitive skills — that more and more employers seek.
How rising minimum wages undercut long-term economic success
In an op-ed for The Hill, Director of Programs Ben Wilterdink explores one of the overlooked effects of rising minimum wages — reduced opportunities for teenagers and young adults to learn soft skills. Examining recent literature, Wilterdink finds that entry-level employment and soft skill accumulation are linked to long-term economic success.
Skill Formation and the Minimum Wage
Director of Programs Ben Wilterdink reviews the literature and examines recent studies on the connections between minimum wage increases, the availability of entry-level work, and trends in teenage employment. He finds that the current discussions about increasing the minimum wage overlook some far-reaching consequences for individuals and their ability learn the skills needed for future economic success.
Understanding the Artificial and Natural Barriers to Economic Mobility
Archbridge Director of Programs Ben Wilterdink explains the difference between artificial and natural barriers that are preventing people from lifting themselves out of poverty. At the local level, many groups have seen this issue and implemented programs that are tailored to the specific needs of individuals with spectacular results.
Skills for the 21st Century — Building Human Capital for Economic Mobility
Archbridge Director of Programs Ben Wilterdink argues for the importance of soft skills in our increasingly service-based economy. With minimum wage increases and helicopter parenting becoming the norm, Wilterdink argues that children and young adults are missing opportunities to gain the soft skills that employers want in today’s labor market.
INTERSTATE COMPACTS AREN’T THE RIGHT W