About Us
Our Mission
Wisdom Lens Studio shares a pedological approach based on Holism to make a difference in learning, being, and our collective future through social entrepreneurship. WLS partners and collaborates with educational institutions and community-based organizations to integrate experiential learning, community-based learning, and holistic education through an ecological and wisdom lens. WLS serves as a scholar-practitioner with a vision and mission for meaningful living and learning. WLS is learner-centered in a relational space. Relationally is the center, essence, and the intrinsic design of Wisdom Lens Studio.
Our Values
Community Leadership that is Led by Wisdom:
Leveraging the collective knowledge and assets of the community to address challenges and build a more resilient and equitable future.
Collaborative Creativity
Creative collaboration is the process of individuals working together, leveraging diverse skills and perspectives, to generate innovative ideas and solutions.
Community-Based Learning
an educational approach that integrates academic study with real-world learning shared through community knowledge & wisdom.
Self-Actualization
Self-actualization is the realization of one's full potential, encompassing personal growth, self-awareness, and the pursuit of one's unique talents and abilities.
Self-Transcendence
Represents a further stage, where individuals move beyond their own self-actualization to connect with something larger than themselves
Social Transformation
Involves shifts in social institutions, behaviors, relationships, and social norms. A culture of transformative learning and applied wisdom.
Appreciation as a Value:
1. When as Humans, we celebrate diversity and feel seen, valued, and acknowledged for our efforts and contributions.
2. The Intrinsic Ancestral feeling of Appreciation for everything in our human experience.
The Eyes Behind This Lens
Joseph C. Garcia
Facilitator of Transformative Learning, Community Base Learning, Ecological Literacy, and Holistic Education
Chicano ancestry from New Mexico. His experience has been working in gardens for transformative learning through various grade levels including elementary schools, high schools, and universities. He has an MA degree in Culture, Ecology, and Sustainable Communities from New College of California in San Francisco, and a BS in Crop Science from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo.
Guiding Quote: “To forget how to dig the earth and tend to the soil is to forget ourselves.” -Mahatma Gandhi
Student Reflection on Community-Based Learning...
"I am able to craft solutions that are workable and inclusive. It’s about recognizing the value of things such as local businesses, schools, parks, organizations, and even the skills and talents of the people who live there. It helps me to see what’s already working in the community and how these different things can come together to solve problems or create new opportunities for community members."
Learn more about the services we offer and how we can help facilitate immersive learning experiences in your learning environment:
Wisdom Lens Studio follows the Social Entrepreneurship model. 20% of all business sales go toward the creation of scholarships and fellowships for community-based projects, experiential learning, and sports programs. Some organizations include:
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CLSA Claremont Colleges (Claremont CA)
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Pomona College Organic Farm (Claremont CA)
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Pitzer College Student Garden (Claremont CA)
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Scripps College Student Garden (Claremont CA)
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Pitzer College Grove House (Claremont CA)
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RootDown LA (South Central Los Angeles CA)
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Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Organic Farm (CA)
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Atrisco Heritage Academy High School (Albuquerque)
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University of New Mexico Chicana and Chicano Studies Department (Albuquerque)
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University of New Mexico Volleyball & UNM Swimming and Diving (Albuquerque)
Want to Contribute?
Visit our shop page to purchase merchandise that helps support us and our community!