The Greater Cincinnati area is home to four world-class universities — Xavier, the University of Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky University and Miami Universtiy — which compete nationally with outstanding design, architecture, music, business, informatics, entrepreneurship and liberal arts programs. The region also boasts a strong network of community and technical colleges that are making strides to support the needs of today's students by providing alternative paths to four-year degrees and partnering with local high schools to better prepare incoming students for a college career through dual enrollement. The Greater Cincinnati Consortium of Colleges and Universities works to promote higher education in the Greater Cincinnati area by sponsoring events, supporting initiatives and encouraging staff development.