About the Center

Our Mission

Named for the co-founder and visionary behind Sesame Street, the Joan Ganz Cooney Center is an independent research and innovation lab within Sesame Workshop that advances positive futures for kids in the digital world. We conduct research on emerging technologies and collaborate with technologists, digital media producers, and educators to put this research into action to support children’s learning and well-being.

Joan Ganz Cooney

In 1966, Joan Ganz Cooney and her colleagues charted new territory by harnessing the power of television to educate underserved preschoolers. Their efforts led to the creation of Sesame Street, now the single largest informal educator in the world, reaching some 100 million children and families in more than 140 countries. Four decades after the landmark study that led to the creation of Sesame Street, Sesame Workshop established a new center in 2007 to carry out Mrs. Cooney’s vision in…

Our People

The Cooney Center is supported by a team of founders, staff, fellows, and advisors. While our collective expertise ranges from developmental psychology and digital media research to media production, we all share a common vision.

Our Sponsors

The Cooney Center relies on the generosity of corporate and philanthropic sponsors who are committed to helping children reach their fullest potential through digital media.

Our Partners

The Cooney Center engages in a broad array of partnerships that range from high-profile corporate sponsorships to research partnerships and joint prototype development. We also catalyze partnerships between key sectors by matching shared goals and through multidisciplinary convenings.

Financial

You can find our 990 form here.

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