"...We are committed to strengthening the neighborhoods and cities in which we live and work, practicing a hands-on model of corporate responsibility."

from Ariel Investments  Mission Statement

At Ariel, we take our civic responsibility seriously. This desire to be involved in our community led to the founding of the Ariel Education Initiative. This non-profit endeavor is committed to advancing educational opportunities in economically disadvantaged areas through innovative programs which integrate academic excellence, family involvement and community service.  Click here to view the 2007 Ariel Education Initiative Annual Report.

The Ariel Education Initiative currently supports the following major projects:

One aspect of the Ariel Education Initiative, the Ariel Community Academy is a small Chicago Public School based on a student-family-school-community partnership. The Academy model is rooted in the understanding that family and community are vital ingredients in the social, physical, emotional and educational well being of children.

With the help of investment professionals and corporate funding from Ariel Investments and John Nuveen & Company, Ariel Community Academy students learn financial literacy via a unique financial curriculum that includes the opportunity to invest real money.

The Extended Day program helps students explore the fullness of their potential academically, socially, artistically and personally. Through the process of self-discovery, students develop interests and cultivate talents that may have otherwise gone untapped.  

Volunteer participation is an integral part of the Ariel Education Initiative. Parents, staff, and employees of Ariel Investments have become actively involved in the AEI-ACA partnership through mentoring, tutoring, painting, gardening and more.