Grover laughs with a group of children outside

Welcome to Sesame Workshop

The nonprofit behind Sesame Street and so much more—a community built on diversity, equity, and inclusion, where creators, educators, partners, and unforgettable characters come together on a mission to help kids grow smarter, stronger, and kinder.

Mission driven. Kid focused.

We care about one thing: children. And we’re working to meet their needs in all sorts of ways: educating through great shows, enriching lives through global social impact work, and creating experiences that bring families of all shapes, sizes, and colors together.

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Rosita and a young girl color on the sidewalk with chalk | Giving Tuesday

Year-end Matching Grant

Thanks to a generous contribution by the founders of Sesame Street, gifts made by December 31 will be matched dollar for dollar, up to a total of $50,000. Anyone can help make a meaningful difference for children and families around the world!

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A girl watches The Power of We on television

Helping Families Talk About—and Stand Up To—Racism

Sesame Workshop has always modeled diversity, equity, and inclusion. Now we’re explicitly addressing racism and helping families talk together about the issue. Available now on HBO Max and PBS Kids, “The Power of We: A Sesame Street Special” shows kids ways to be “upstanders” against unfair treatment based on skin—or fur—color. And new “Sesame Street in Communities” content and more for children and families is coming soon!

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A girl and a purple muppet smile at each other

Ahlan Simsim Season 2 Brings Timely Lessons to Children Across Middle East

Another season of learning adventures, in a new video playdate format, follows Basma, Jad, and friends as they play, laugh, and learn ways to manage big feelings and cope with the uncertainty so many children are experiencing today. Ahlan Simsim is part of our broader humanitarian partnership with the International Rescue Committee to bring hope and opportunity to children and families affected by the Syrian refugee crisis. Through our TV show and direct services, we’re reaching millions of families with the educational resources they need to thrive, through the global pandemic and beyond.

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Big Bird stands with a mom and 2 children outdoors. One child stands on a stool to be taller.

Helping Support Children in New Ways During COVID-19

Our “Caring For Each Other” initiative helps families around the world navigate new challenges and changing routines by providing free resources that help children manage big feelings, learn joyfully whether at home or in school, and stay physically and emotionally healthy.

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Children and an adult play with blocks with Halum

Sharing the Power of Learning Through Play

Play is vital for children to learn. With the LEGO Foundation’s help, we’ve brought playful learning to South Africa, Mexico, and India—and now, to the Syrian response region and Bangladesh.

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We’d love to keep you posted about all the good things going on at the Workshop.

Thanks for signing up—see you soon!

A girl whispers to Rosita in front of a red door

Your Support Right Now Goes Twice as Far!

This Giving Season, your gift by December 31 will be matched dollar for dollar, thanks to a generous contribution by the founders of Sesame Street.

Your gift supports  initiatives that meet the critical needs of children and families around the world. Gifts will be matched up to a total of $50,000. For legal disclosures, click here.

Latest News from the Workshop

A woman wearing a pink shirt and gray sweater holds up a pen while holding a notebook
Applications Open for 2021 Writers’ Room

The Sesame Workshop Writers’ Room, now in its fifth year, is a fellowship program looking for new talent from underrepresented racial backgrounds. Up to eight writers will get hands-on experience from Sesame Street veterans and media industry leaders. Apply by January 8!

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Season 51 Elmo and Cookie
Sesame Street Season 51 Launches November 12

With celebrity guests including Kelsea Ballerini, Stephen and Ayesha Curry, and Issa Rae, the new season begins a two-year focus on playful problem solving, brought to life in the original anthem “I Wonder, What if, Let’s Try” performed by Hailee Steinfeld. Season 51 debuts Thursday, November 12 on HBO Max.

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Jeff, Sherrie, and Steve
Jeffrey D. Dunn to Retire as CEO, Leadership Transition Announced

After six years as President and CEO of Sesame Workshop, Jeffrey D. Dunn has announced his upcoming retirement. We are excited to announce Steve Youngwood will be our new Chief Executive Officer, and Sherrie Westin as President of Sesame Workshop, effective Jan 1, 2021.

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Mother and child watch Monster at the End of this Story on a tablet
“The Monster at the End of This Story” Brings Iconic Book to Life

A brand-new animated special featuring lovable Grover debuts on HBO Max October 29. Reimagining the Sesame Street classic “The Monster at the End of This Book,” the special adds songs and surprises. A companion YouTube video features celebrities reading aloud from a favorite childhood book.

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Abby, Tamir and Elmo wear masks and make crafts
“The Power of We: A Sesame Street Special” Helps Children Stand Up to Racism

Our new family special is now streaming, with celebrity guests and current and former Sesame Street cast members on hand to help kids learn to be “upstanders” against unfair treatment based on skin – or fur – color. A free viewing guide helps families have honest conversations around race.

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A woman and young girl laugh with Abby Cadabby while reading a book
Three New Communities and Digital Special Announced

“Sesame Street in Communities” expands to Baltimore, Miami, and Maricopa Country, AZ, with the support of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The nationwide initiative, now in 12 locations, helps children build coping skills and fosters nurturing connections between children and caring adults in their lives. An all-new digital family special featuring the Sesame Street Muppets will mark the occasion on Facebook Premiere on Tuesday, October 6 at 2pm EST.

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A mother and her 2 kids smile outdoors with Julia
More Resources for Autistic Children and their Families

New materials featuring Julia, a 4-year-old Sesame Street Muppet with autism, help families cope with some impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthering our commitment to autistic children and their families, free resources in English and Spanish help users navigate new routines including wearing face masks and adjusting to on-screen learning.

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An orange monster puppet and yellow monster puppet smile at the camera while two children climb a large stack of books in another image
New Seasons for Ghostwriter and Helpsters

Emmy Award-winner series “Ghostwriter” is back with more literary mysteries for kids in Season 2, launching October 9—and “Helpsters” Season 2 brings new pre-coding skills, the power of teamwork, and celebrity guests to audiences on October 16. Both award-winning shows air on Apple TV+.

A group of children sits on the stairs laughing with Abby Cadabby
CNN/Sesame Street Town Halls Answer Kids’ Big Questions

From COVID-19 to racial justice, families everywhere have pressing issues on their minds. Our Town Hall series brings experts, real families, and our lovable characters together to help kids understand complex subjects in a child-friendly way.

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