CA teams with Sesame Workshop to support STEM education

Islandia software company CA Technologies is teaming up with the likes of Elmo and Big Bird to encourage science education.

CA, one of the biggest public companies on Long Island, said Wednesday it will pledge $1 million to Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit behind the show Sesame Street, to support more exposure to science, technology, engineering and math for children.

The effort, which is currently under development, will result in a STEM hub on the Sesame Street website where parents, teachers and kids can access videos, games and other activities that will help children learn about the topics in fun ways.

"Through this initiative, we are hoping to help young people discover an interest in technology and consider educational opportunities and careers in technical fields," said Andrew Wittman, CA's chief marketing officer.

More emphasis has been placed on the importance of STEM education in recent years as technical industries see a growing shortage of skilled workers. Statistics have also shown that students in the U.S. are behind their peers in terms of technical knowledge and skills.