The Art Institutes, also referred to as Ai, is a system of schools located throughout the country that provide art education courses and degrees. Over 50 colleges comprise the system, offering varying programs and levels of education. The system was founded in 1969 through the acquisition of the Art Institute of Pittsburgh by the Education Management Corporation (EDMC). Over the subsequent years the Ai model of education has been replicated in campuses across the United States, as well as through a distance learning program launched in 2000.