About Outside The Lens
Outside The Lens in San Diego is a nonprofit organization that provides media arts education to underserved youth in the San Diego community. Our pioneering Media Makers program specifically serves young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Our Purpose
Cultivating confidence, creativity, and connection in the next generation of changemakers.
Our Mission
Igniting confidence in young people to pursue creative pathways and drive social change through the transformative power of media arts.
Our Vision
Our vision is a world where the perspectives of the next generation are deeply valued, empowering them to pursue their unlimited creative potential for collective social change.
Our Values
Drive Creative Impact
We foster bold and innovative solutions that drive lasting, positive change in our communities, sparking inspiration and empowerment in those we serve.
Embrace Change
We embrace change and flexibility, continuously learning from our experiences to better serve youth and the communities we work within, adapting swiftly to emerging needs and challenges.
Foster Agency & Activism
We help individuals feel empowered to take ownership and initiative in their actions and decisions. We champion self-advocacy, encouraging youth to identify challenges and drive positive change and impact in our community and beyond.
Amplify Youth Voices
We believe that every voice matters, especially the voices of young people. We provide a platform for youth to express themselves and be heard on issues that are important to them.
Create Sustainable Futures
We strive to create long-lasting positive change in the communities we serve, based on the need. We focus on initiatives that are environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable for future generations.
Cultivate Belonging
We foster a culture of trust, empathy, and respect—prioritizing the well-being and success of our colleagues, the communities we serve, and the individuals we support. We ensure that our programs, services, and opportunities are available to all individuals, regardless of their background, abilities, or circumstances.
Our Approach
We Cultivate Creative Confidence Through Media Arts Education
We believe in the transformative power of media arts to ignite confidence, creativity, and connection in young people. Our approach is rooted in our core values and commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI).
By placing young people at the center of our decision-making, and acknowledging their unique perspectives and strengths, we create brave spaces where youth can:
- Develop a sense of agency and self-expression
- Explore their creativity and critical thinking skills
- Build connections with their peers and community
Our innovative approach to learning achieves the following outcomes:
Confident Creators
Young people cultivate socio-emotional skills, resilience, and confidence through creative expression, helping them navigate challenges and strengthen their sense of self.
Empowered achievers
Participants acquire essential skills and access educational and career pathways, equipping them for success in the creative economy and beyond.
engaged changemakers
Equipped with confidence and artistic skills, young people leverage their unique voices to create positive social change in their communities.
We Educate with Expertise and Empathy
With more than two decades of experience in media arts education, Outside The Lens has developed a unique and effective approach to youth empowerment. Our team of seasoned media educators, artists, and professionals has carefully crafted a comprehensive methodology that combines cutting-edge technology, trauma-informed practices, and restorative justice principles.
Our expertise, combined with our passion for creative expression and social impact, enables us to create a safe, supportive, and stimulating environment where young people can thrive. Our approach is rooted in a deep understanding of the complex needs of our constituents, and we are committed to continuous improvement and innovation to ensure the best possible outcomes for our students.
We Employ Proven Strategies
To achieve our outcomes, we employ a range of effective strategies, including:
Scaffolding
Each skill and project builds upon the last, allowing for increasingly deeper and more complex learning.
Experiential Learning
Our hands-on curriculum begins with camera basics and explores identity, family, community, environment, and the world.
Trauma-Informed Practices
We prioritize a safe and supportive learning environment, acknowledging the impact of trauma on young lives.
Restorative Justice Approach
We foster a culture of empathy, respect, and inclusivity, promoting positive relationships and conflict resolution.
21st Century Technology
We stay current with the latest media tools and techniques, including animation, digital illustration, filmmaking, and mixed media.
Be a Champion for San Diego’s Youth.
At Outside The Lens, we believe that media arts can serve as a transformative force in the lives of young people and their communities.
Join us in creating a future where every young person has the opportunity to harness their creativity and drive positive social change through the power of media arts.