Grover and child about too hug.

What We Do

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 global nonprofit at the intersection of education, media, and research.

For over 50 years, we’ve created research-based media and resources for families and joyful experiences that enrich minds and expand hearts — all with a mission to help children everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder. 

A child and Abby play with blocks.
Smarter
We believe a good foundation sets up a child for success. That starts with the basics — from ABCs and 123s to critical thinking and problem solving — to foster a lifelong love of learning.
Gabrielle poses with two grownups and a child.
Stronger
We help children develop the full spectrum of life skills they need to thrive, like emotional well-being and healthy habits.
Rosita looks on as a grown up and two kids learn to play the cello.
Kinder
We model empathy and mutual respect, teaching children how to celebrate similarities and differences. That’s how we empower the next generation to build a kinder world.
Our Initiatives

Check out our wide-ranging initiatives that support our mission to help children 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.

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.
Children playing with Noor

Play to Learn

Unlocking the power of play for children affected by conflict and crisis
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.

Grover sitting with a group of children.

Self & Belonging

Celebrating positive identity & belonging
A Muppet reads with children

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 Experiences

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.

Water, Sanitation & Hygiene

A behavior-change program that empowers children to prevent illnesses related to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH).
A Muppet reads with children
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.
Noor
47 Million
That’s the number of children around the world who have been forcibly displaced. Access to quality early childhood development support can help them overcome adversity and build a brighter future.
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

1 in 36 Children

In the US is diagnosed with autism, according to 2020 data. Sesame Workshop promotes acceptance and provides tools to manage challenges.