Finding inspiration in his Russian roots, Ari brought the Eastern European model of math enrichment to Orlando for the first time. Ari founded the Orlando Math Circle to connect with other students and explore mathematics outside of school – this soon evolved into a community-wide organization aimed at providing mathematics for all.

Ari realized that math had to be presented and explored in fun ways through peer mentoring. After studying various math circle programs in USA, he was most inspired by the Chicago Math Circles model. But wanted to incorporate the peer to peer mentoring and student teaching elements of the Orange County Math Circle. He organized high school students with different talents and interests to come together and bring math programs to underserved middle school students.

Ari wanted to create a sustainable model of a community based math circle that would engage students of diverse backgrounds and ages to work together to discover the beauty and joy of mathematics. He was looking for content that would spark interest, discussions, and foster creative problem solving. Ari brought existing math programs, like Math Kangaroo Contest, as well as new programs like Global Math Project and Expii to Orlando for the first time. These programs will provide lasting benefits to Central Florida students.

After four years, a problem solving session outside of school with friends has grown to a program with over 100 students, 40 volunteers from over 30 different schools and colleges, 3 national math competitions open to all, special events, and partnerships with leaders in math education that are helping OMC change the landscape of extracurricular mathematics in Central Florida.