Grover and child about too hug.

Impact Areas

Supporting children and families through challenges big and small.

Most people know us for our flagship television show, but Sesame Workshop is so much more: we’re a nonprofit organization with a mission to help kids everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder.

We create research-based media and resources for families around the world to help meet children’s most pressing needs. Our current areas of focus are: Foundational Knowledge & Skills, Creativity & Playful Problem Solving, Self-Identity & Belonging, and Emotional Well-Being.

A child and Karli strike a meditative pose together.
Emotional Well-Being
From celebrating joyful everyday moments, to understanding and expressing feelings, to helping parents and community providers recognize the signs of more serious mental health challenges, we’re helping children develop a foundation for future emotional well-being for years to come.
A child and Abby play with blocks.
Foundational Knowledge & Skills
We believe a good foundation sets a child up for success in life. That starts with the basics of literacy, math, science, and STEM.
Rosita looks on as a grown up and two kids learn to play the cello.
Creativity & Playful Problem Solving
When children develop creativity and playful problem-solving skills, they also develop the foundation for learning. We focus on encouraging flexible thinking and curiosity — sparking exploration and helping children see the joy in experimentation.
Gabrielle poses with two grownups and a child.
Self-Identity & Belonging
Building a positive sense of identity is critical to children’s healthy development — and research shows that valuing their own identities helps children grow into more confident and accepting adults.
Featured Initiative
Support for Families Affected by Crisis

Uniting programs around the world to deliver early learning and nurturing care to young children and caregivers affected by crisis.
2%

Globally, only 2%

of humanitarian assistance goes to early childhood development.

Our Initiatives

Check out our wide-ranging initiatives that support our mission to help kids grow smarter, stronger, and kinder.

Basma and Jad making a friend smile.

Ahlan Simsim Initiative

Bringing vital early education to children affected by conflict and crisis in the Syrian response region.
A mother, father, two girls, and Julia wear party hats and celebrate with a cake.

Autism Initiative

Celebrating and supporting kids with autism and every child.
Rosita flexes her muscles with a young cheerleader and a military father.

Child-Friendly Resources for Military Families

Helping kids face the challenges of military family life.

Grover sitting with a group of children.

Coming Together

Celebrating positive identity & belonging.
Big Bird and a young girl smile at each other in scenic foliage

COVID-19 Response

Helping children and families thrive during the COVID-19 crisis and beyond.
Gabriella and a group of kids playing with bubbles.

Emotional Well-Being

Supporting children’s emotional well-being through research-based resources for the whole family.
A young muppet girl poses amongst a group of children.

Financial Empowerment

Helping kids and families build skills for financial well-being, from resilience to goal-setting, planning, and beyond.
Rosita and a young girl draw together with two adults in school.

Formal Education

Helping students and teachers learn and grow.
Elmo in a library with a little girl.

School Readiness

Bringing children joyful, research-based education in their earliest years, when we know we can have the biggest impact.

Support for Families Affected by Crisis

Uniting programs around the world to deliver early learning and nurturing care to young children and caregivers affected by crisis.
A woman gives Elmo and another muppet, Lily, a big hug.Lily is faced with some traumatic experiences.

Traumatic Experience

Helping children cope with traumatic experiences and giving caring adults the tools to foster nurturing connections.
Raya and group of children reaching out to her.

WASH

A behavior-change program that empowers children to prevent illnesses related to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH).

1 in 36

Children in the United States diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) today. Sesame Workshop promotes acceptance and provides tools to manage challenges.

Grover and a young child touch noses.

Help Prepare the Next Generation to Build a Better World

Make a gift today and help us transform how the world supports children, wherever they may be, for generations to come.

Donate Today
35 Million
The number of children around the world who have been forcibly displaced — and millions have no access to early education.