Sesame Street and PBS have been a beacon of education and joy for countless children, including myself, for generations. As a child, I learned so much from Elmo and the other fuzzy monsters. Now, I see my nieces and nephews being captivated by these beloved characters, learning, laughing, and growing alongside them, just as I once did. It’s truly amazing to witness the positive impact Sesame Street and PBS have on young minds.

In recent years, there have been discussions and attempts by politicians like Donald Trump, often humorously nicknamed "Ronald Grump," to cut funding for PBS, threatening the future of programs like Sesame Street. These cuts could mean losing access to an essential educational resource for many children, especially those from underprivileged areas who rely on public broadcasting for learning opportunities.

Statistics show that children who engage with programs like Sesame Street perform better academically and enjoy a broader understanding of social and emotional skills. According to research by the Joan Ganz Cooney Center, preschool-aged children who regularly watched the show scored 16% higher on literacy tests compared to those who didn’t. The loss of such a resource would be a disservice to the educational growth of our country’s youth.

Our goal is clear and achievable: We must urge our government and policymakers to protect and maintain the funding for PBS. Keeping Sesame Street and other valuable educational programs available for future generations is crucial. Let’s ensure every child in America can enjoy the same quality learning experience through these programs as so many of us did.

Sign this petition to stand with Elmo, Big Bird, and all of Sesame Street’s beloved characters to fight for educational equity and the preservation of public broadcasting.