Sesame Workshop: Four Decades of Teaching Children Through Television and More

Sesame Workshop is the non-profit educational organization behind the beloved kids' television program Sesame Street, as well as a number of other projects that bring lessons in literacy and numeracy, health and wellness, emotional well-being, and respect and understanding to children in more than 150 countries.

Sesame Workshop's mission is to help children everywhere reach their highest potential by using the educational power of media. What began as a simple yet revolutionary idea to teach kids in the United States through television is now a global educational phenomenon expanding beyond television and reaching millions of children worldwide. Sesame Workshop's international programs are created in collaboration with local educators, puppeteers, and advisors to tailor to the unique needs of children and their culture. The non-profit also carries out several on-the-ground outreach efforts to bring its lessons directly to vulnerable communities. Regardless of location, Sesame Workshop combines a curriculum that addresses children's developmental needs with the sophisticated use of media and plenty of fun.

One of Sesame Workshop's international projects is Galli Galli Sim Sim, the locally produced version of Sesame Street in India. To expand its reach, Galli Galli Sim Sim partners with non-profit child care centers to deliver early childhood education to children from low-income families. Galli Galli Sim Sim also makes house calls using a repurposed vegetable cart outfitted with a television and DVD player so that local teachers can bring the program to kids in urban slums.

In the United States, Sesame Workshop has created Families Stand Together, a bilingual multimedia kit for families facing financial challenges. Designed to bring kids and parents together as they deal with unemployment and economic uncertainty, the kit contains educational DVDs, activities, storybooks, and a caregiver's handbook filled with advice about answering children's questions, practical ways to stay afloat, and spending time as a family.

What do Sesame Street and Andrew Carnegie have in Common?

Do you remember watching the credits roll after your daily dose of Sesame Street? When they would announce the sponsors who made the show possible along with the Children’s Television Workshop — now known as the Sesame Workshop? In the list of names is the Carnegie Foundation, founded by Andrew Carnegie. 

Andrew Carnegie was born in Scotland in 1835 and migrated to America in 1848 with his family. He became an amazing entrepreneur, businessman, and philanthropist. Starting as a millworker in a bobbin factory, then landing a job as a telegraph messenger boy, he learned the value of hard work and networking. When a man in his Allegheny, Pennsylvania community opened up his personal library to working boys, Carnegie grew intellectually and came to value a strong educational foundation.

Carnegie amassed his wealth by investing in railroads, iron, and bridges. He then founded the Carnegie Steel Company; which, after a good run, he sold to J.P.Morgan, who formed the United States Steel Corporation. This transaction was the largest-ever personal commercial transaction and equivalent to $13.7 billion in today’s prices. After John D. Rockefeller, Andrew Carnegie became the second richest man in the world.

Soon after the buyout, Carnegie’s focus turned to philanthropic efforts; and he immediately ensured there would be free public libraries in New York. In 1911 the Carnegie Corporation of New York was established “to promote the advancement and diffusion of knowledge and understanding.” It is this foundation that helped establish the Sesame Workshop.  

The Carnegie Corporation of New York is celebrating its one hundredth anniversary this year. Even though it seems Maria and Luis never age, they really do. Sesame Street is in its forty second season! Thank you, Mr. Carnegie!