Latest news with #WestcliffUniversity
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Westcliff Early Learning Academy Brings a First-of-Its-Kind Preschool to Orange County
New Dual-Language Preschool Combines Montessori, Reggio Emilia & Nature-Inspired Learning to Meet Growing Demand IRVINE, Calif., July 08, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Westcliff University, a global leader in education with programs spanning preschool through the doctoral level, is thrilled to announce the grand opening of Westcliff Early Learning Academy (WELA) on July 10, 2025, from 2:30 to 6 p.m. The event will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3:00 p.m., guided tours of the state-of-the-art facilities located at 2941 Alton Parkway in Irvine, Calif. and opportunities to meet the dedicated educators shaping this innovative learning environment. To further engage the community, an open house will take place on August 9, offering families a closer look at the academy's unique approach to early childhood education. WELA is redefining early learning by blending Montessori, Reggio Emilia and nature-inspired pedagogies to create a holistic, child-centered education experience. As one of the first preschools in California to integrate these approaches, WELA fosters creativity, curiosity and independence in children from 12 weeks to six years old. A cornerstone of WELA's mission is its Vietnamese dual-language program. This program enriches cognitive development, enhances cultural awareness and lays the foundation for future multilingual proficiency. Plans are already in place to expand language offerings to French and Mandarin. "Providing top-tier early childhood education is a significant step in fulfilling Westcliff's mission of lifelong learning," said Dr. Anthony Lee, president & CEO of Westcliff University. "At WELA, we believe young children are natural explorers and our role is to nurture their innate curiosity in an environment that fosters discovery, creativity and growth." WELA's curriculum is designed to support whole-child development, emphasizing health and wellness through organic materials, nutritious eating habits and movement-based learning. Its nature-inspired approach encourages hands-on exploration, allowing children to develop critical thinking skills through play and observation. "Children are the most intelligent learners because they are constantly absorbing the world around them," said Monica Heredia, director of Westcliff Early Learning Academy. "We are committed to providing an immersive classroom environment where they can thrive academically, socially and emotionally—building a strong foundation for a lifetime of learning." Westcliff chose central Irvine for WELA's location due to its proximity to residential neighborhoods, business districts and Westcliff University's main campus—ensuring convenient access for working families. The academy will also benefit from the expertise of early childhood development professionals at Westcliff University's College of Education, whose students will gain hands-on experience through teaching placements at WELA—enhancing the learning environment for both young children and future educators. Set to officially open in August 2025, WELA will operate Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., offering both half-day and full-day programs with early care and aftercare options. To RSVP for the grand opening, attend an open house, or join the priority enrollment list, visit About Westcliff Early Learning Academy: Westcliff Early Learning Academy (WELA) is an innovative early childhood education center located in Irvine, Calif., serving children ages 12 weeks to six years old. Designed to nurture the whole child, WELA offers developmentally appropriate programs that emphasize health and wellness, hands-on exploration and social-emotional growth—all rooted in research-backed pedagogies including Montessori, Reggio Emilia and nature-inspired learning. A proud partner of Westcliff University and Westcliff Preparatory Academy, WELA is part of a unified educational pathway that spans from infancy to advanced degrees. Guided by Westcliff University's 30-year legacy in higher education, WELA benefits from the expertise of collegiate faculty and offers student teaching opportunities for Westcliff's College of Education—creating a dynamic learning environment for both young learners and future educators. Learn more at and follow WELA on Facebook and Instagram. About Westcliff University: Westcliff University is an innovative global higher education institution with its finger on the pulse of the international business landscape and the needs of today's employers. Founded in 1993 and based in Irvine, Calif., it offers bachelor's, master's and doctorate degrees spanning 20+ areas of study including business, education, technology, nursing, law, computer science and engineering. Westcliff is a California Public Benefit Corporation which affirms its dedication to operating in the best interests of its students and the surrounding community. With more than 7,000 enrolled students, its programs focus on both the hard and soft skills needed to secure quality jobs in high-growth industries. It offers community and business engagement opportunities for the hands-on experience today's students require; and it provides innovative and affordable programs live online and in classrooms across the globe. Visit and to learn more; and follow Westcliff on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. View source version on Contacts MEDIA CONTACT: Leslie Licano, Beyond Fifteen Communications, Inc.949.733.8679 | westcliff@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
08-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Westcliff Early Learning Academy Brings a First-of-Its-Kind Preschool to Orange County
IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Westcliff University, a global leader in education with programs spanning preschool through the doctoral level, is thrilled to announce the grand opening of Westcliff Early Learning Academy (WELA) on July 10, 2025, from 2:30 to 6 p.m. The event will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3:00 p.m., guided tours of the state-of-the-art facilities located at 2941 Alton Parkway in Irvine, Calif. and opportunities to meet the dedicated educators shaping this innovative learning environment. To further engage the community, an open house will take place on August 9, offering families a closer look at the academy's unique approach to early childhood education. WELA is redefining early learning by blending Montessori, Reggio Emilia and nature-inspired pedagogies to create a holistic, child-centered education experience. As one of the first preschools in California to integrate these approaches, WELA fosters creativity, curiosity and independence in children from 12 weeks to six years old. A cornerstone of WELA's mission is its Vietnamese dual-language program. This program enriches cognitive development, enhances cultural awareness and lays the foundation for future multilingual proficiency. Plans are already in place to expand language offerings to French and Mandarin. 'Providing top-tier early childhood education is a significant step in fulfilling Westcliff's mission of lifelong learning,' said Dr. Anthony Lee, president & CEO of Westcliff University. 'At WELA, we believe young children are natural explorers and our role is to nurture their innate curiosity in an environment that fosters discovery, creativity and growth.' WELA's curriculum is designed to support whole-child development, emphasizing health and wellness through organic materials, nutritious eating habits and movement-based learning. Its nature-inspired approach encourages hands-on exploration, allowing children to develop critical thinking skills through play and observation. 'Children are the most intelligent learners because they are constantly absorbing the world around them,' said Monica Heredia, director of Westcliff Early Learning Academy. 'We are committed to providing an immersive classroom environment where they can thrive academically, socially and emotionally—building a strong foundation for a lifetime of learning.' Westcliff chose central Irvine for WELA's location due to its proximity to residential neighborhoods, business districts and Westcliff University's main campus—ensuring convenient access for working families. The academy will also benefit from the expertise of early childhood development professionals at Westcliff University's College of Education, whose students will gain hands-on experience through teaching placements at WELA—enhancing the learning environment for both young children and future educators. Set to officially open in August 2025, WELA will operate Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., offering both half-day and full-day programs with early care and aftercare options. To RSVP for the grand opening, attend an open house, or join the priority enrollment list, visit About Westcliff Early Learning Academy: Westcliff Early Learning Academy (WELA) is an innovative early childhood education center located in Irvine, Calif., serving children ages 12 weeks to six years old. Designed to nurture the whole child, WELA offers developmentally appropriate programs that emphasize health and wellness, hands-on exploration and social-emotional growth—all rooted in research-backed pedagogies including Montessori, Reggio Emilia and nature-inspired learning. A proud partner of Westcliff University and Westcliff Preparatory Academy, WELA is part of a unified educational pathway that spans from infancy to advanced degrees. Guided by Westcliff University's 30-year legacy in higher education, WELA benefits from the expertise of collegiate faculty and offers student teaching opportunities for Westcliff's College of Education—creating a dynamic learning environment for both young learners and future educators. Learn more at and follow WELA on Facebook and Instagram. About Westcliff University: Westcliff University is an innovative global higher education institution with its finger on the pulse of the international business landscape and the needs of today's employers. Founded in 1993 and based in Irvine, Calif., it offers bachelor's, master's and doctorate degrees spanning 20+ areas of study including business, education, technology, nursing, law, computer science and engineering. Westcliff is a California Public Benefit Corporation which affirms its dedication to operating in the best interests of its students and the surrounding community. With more than 7,000 enrolled students, its programs focus on both the hard and soft skills needed to secure quality jobs in high-growth industries. It offers community and business engagement opportunities for the hands-on experience today's students require; and it provides innovative and affordable programs live online and in classrooms across the globe. Visit and to learn more; and follow Westcliff on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Business Insider
25-06-2025
- Health
- Business Insider
A man gained weight eating ultra-processed foods he thought were healthy. Now, he's 50 pounds lighter thanks to 3 habits.
Christopher Kaufman's 50-pound weight gain didn't come all at once. If anything, it took over a decade to steadily climb. "I was about 10-15 pounds overweight once we got into my 40s," Kaufman told Business Insider. But it was in my 50s when I said 'Oh, we've got a problem here.'" Kaufman grew up active, feeling like he could "eat anything" and not gain weight. That changed when his mother died in 2005 and he was exposed to toxic mold when cleaning out her house. Shortly after, blood tests found he had developed a sensitivity to gluten, dairy, and yeast. He changed his diet to gluten-free and some cow-free dairy alternatives. While they reduced his symptoms, he started gaining weight. The tapioca-flour pretzels and coconut milk products he was consuming were ultra-processed, which are often linked to weight gain. Kaufman also didn't move much throughout the day. He spent a decade working remotely at a Fortune 100 technology firm before getting a doctorate in education, spending hours studying. By 2022, at 57, he weighed around 208 pounds and had high blood pressure. He knew he needed to change his lifestyle. "I said, well, you know what? I've run a marathon," he said. "I can do this." In two years, Kaufman lost 50 pounds and lowered his blood pressure through changing his eating habits and adopting a more active lifestyle — without strict diets or strenuous workouts. "I've got the skills to look at the activities versus the calories and now I can just play around with these," he said. "It's continuous improvement." He cut down on ultra-processed foods Kaufman started focusing on whole foods and reducing his ultra-processed intake. While he didn't follow any one specific diet, his most closely resembled a Blue Zones diet, based on a study of the world's longest-living populations. He started to examine the ratio of carbs on his plate to protein and fiber. Back when Kaufman was a runner (he ran the LA Marathon 20 years ago), he got into the habit of loading up on carbs for energy. Now, he realized, he wasn't moving enough to justify as many carbs as he ate. "That first step of lowering the carbs so that they balance with the protein and fiber, that started the weight loss," he said. Now, he said he adjusts his carb intake based on the day and the planned activity. He'll eat more if he plans on doing yard work for two hours and could use the energy. He also changes how much he eats based on the time of day, eating a bigger meal at breakfast or lunch depending on when he plans to exercise. He said being mindful of what he eats — and how much of it — helps him indulge in treats. "I'm going to have salmon with steamed cabbage, but that's just zero carbs," he said. "So I can have 3 ounces of some coconut chocolate ice cream." He started taking walking desk breaks Kaufman, now an adjunct professor at both Westcliff University and Southern California State University, follows the pomodoro technique whenever he researches class lectures or writes his book. He works for 25-minute sprints before breaking for five minutes. He started using those built-in breaks to get up and walk around. "I saw that when I made myself get up and walk around consistently, I lost more weight," he said. He also works out about once a day, either swimming in his pool or walking through his hilly California neighborhood. "It's not the kind of serious swimming that I used to do when I was younger," he said. "It's just flapping around, freestyle." The only other activity he does is house chores, like cleaning the yard or pool, building something, or carrying heavy objects in and out of the house. The small movements add up and help him burn more calories. He got comfortable with weighing himself Kaufman read studies that found weighing yourself every day leads to higher weight loss, more than checking once a week or twice a month. "In fact, my weight loss sped up once I started doing that," he said. However, starting the habit was "really rough." "I'm a technical nerd, so I go, 'Is this scale broken? It can't be me, right?' So that was hard," he said. Over time, though, he said keeping up the habit changed his relationship to the scale. "You have to let go of the scale as the enemy and learn the scale is just a feedback mechanism," he said, looking for a "rolling average" rather than fixating on one number, which could greatly vary by what he ate that day. Seeing the numbers helped him better see what was working and what wasn't. "Ok, what can we tweak here?" he said. "Oh, we can knock 100 calories off here, or we can reduce some carbs there." Ultimately, having more data helps him keep his weight down without going to extreme measures. "It took me almost two years to accomplish it, but now I can manage and tweak meals and mix up exercise regimes, rather than slide," he said. "It's slow, it's gradual, and it's for life."
Entrepreneur
13-06-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Entrepreneur UK's London 100: Perlego
Industry: EdTech Perlego is flipping the textbook game with its "Spotify for Textbooks" model — giving students unlimited access to 1.5m+ academic titles via subscription. Its AI tool, Dialogo, levels up learning with smart, verified insights, while keeping publishers paid. Their first US academic partnership with Westcliff University is already making waves, and with reader engagement up 217%, Perlego is proving that digital textbooks can actually work for students.
National Post
09-06-2025
- Business
- National Post
Westcliff University Launches New Campus to Support Toronto's Innovation Ecosystem and Fuel Canada's Booming Tech Workforce
Article content New Master's in Information Systems Technology (MIST) Program Addresses Soaring Demand for Skilled Cybersecurity and AI Professionals Article content IRVINE, Calif. & TORONTO — Westcliff University, a global leader in career-focused higher education, is establishing its first international campus in Toronto—one of North America's fastest-growing technology hubs—to help meet Canada's urgent demand for skilled IT professionals. Ontario's tech sector is projected to add 300,000 jobs by 2030, yet key IT roles already face a 51% vacancy rate, with a 90% surge in the need for cybersecurity, AI and smart manufacturing talent. To address these workforce gaps, Westcliff is launching a Master's in Information Systems Technology (MIST) degree, developed in close collaboration with regional IT leaders to directly align with the needs of local employers. Article content Toronto is home to more than 288,000 tech professionals and the world's highest concentration of AI startups, creating a vibrant ecosystem requiring specialized training in cybersecurity and smart technology. Westcliff's MIST program equips mid-level professionals and emerging graduates with the skills essential to drive industry growth, strengthen the local talent pipeline and reinforce Toronto's standing as a world tech leader. Article content 'Toronto is a recognized force in global technological innovation, and our institution is honored to support its impressive trajectory,' said Dr. Anthony Lee, president and CEO of Westcliff University. 'Establishing a presence in Canada enables us to deepen multinational knowledge exchange while delivering the hands-on, job-oriented education that defines Westcliff. With a 30-year legacy of market-driven education, we are committed to staying attuned to shifting industry trends and integrating regional insights with global expertise. Our focus is on graduating employment-ready leaders equipped to drive advancement, contribute to their local economy and help solidify Toronto's position as a world-class technology hub.' Article content The new MIST program features: Article content Industry-Designed Curriculum: Developed in consultation with leading technology firms and local officials to ensure immediate real-world applicability. Flexible Learning Models: Eight-week course cycles with in-person and online engagement to accommodate working professionals. Innovation Sandbox: A collaborative, project-based learning environment that delivers hands-on opportunities for students to tackle real-world business challenges. Real-World Expertise: A multidisciplinary faculty with extensive industry experience in cybersecurity, AI and enterprise IT solutions. Agile, Evolving Coursework: A program structure that adapts to dynamic trends and labor force demands. The campus, located within Venture Lab 's 50,000-square-foot innovation space in Markham—one of the area's fastest growing tech hubs just north of Toronto—places students at the center of a dynamic environment that has supported over 4,000 companies and attracts significant investment. By learning in this immersive setting alongside the sector's top thought leaders, Westcliff students will gain invaluable exposure, build lasting professional connections and access career and entrepreneurial opportunities in Canada's growing digital economy. Article content 'Toronto is proud to welcome Westcliff University as a valuable addition to support our region's burgeoning tech landscape,' said Markham City Mayor, Frank Scarpitti. 'By cultivating a skilled workforce that aligns with industry needs, Westcliff is equipping future professionals with the specialized skills and leadership capabilities that will yield even more innovation and economic prosperity in our city.' Article content As a Canadian-registered institution recognized for its commitment to Ontario's workforce development, Westcliff's Toronto campus will continue to be guided by its Program Advisory Committee (PAC) of Toronto-based tech leaders to ensure its curriculum remains aligned with evolving market requirements. Article content Westcliff's Toronto campus will welcome its first cohort of students in July 2025, with information sessions and webinars leading up to the opening to help prospective students explore programs, meet faculty and tour the facilities. For more information, program offerings and enrollment details, visit Article content About Westcliff University: Article content Westcliff University Article content Article content is an innovative global higher education institution with its finger on the pulse of the international business landscape and the needs of today's employers. Founded in 1993 and based in Irvine, Calif., it offers bachelor's, master's and doctorate degrees spanning multiple areas of study including business, education, technology, computer science, engineering and law. Westcliff is a California Public Benefit Corporation which affirms its dedication to operating in the best interests of its students and the surrounding community. Its programs focus on both the hard and soft skills needed to secure quality jobs in high-growth industries; it offers community and business engagement opportunities for the hands-on experience today's students require; and it provides innovative and affordable programs live online and in classrooms across the globe. Visit Article content Facebook Article content , Article content Instagram Article content and Article content LinkedIn Article content . Article content Article content Article content Article content View source version on Article content Article content Contacts Article content MEDIA CONTACT: Article content Leslie Licano, Beyond Fifteen Communications, Inc. Article content Article content Article content
