AISS Competitors

Human Rights Watch is one of the world’s leading independent organizations dedicated to defending and protecting human rights. By focusing international attention where human rights are violated, we give voice to the oppressed and hold oppressors accountable for their crimes. Our rigorous, objective investigations and strategic, targeted advocacy build intense pressure for action and raise the cost of human rights abuse. For 30 years, Human Rights Watch has worked tenaciously to lay the legal and moral groundwork for deep-rooted change and has fought to bring greater justice and security to people around the world.

Birzeit University is the first institution of higher education to be established in Palestine. In addition to providing students with the opportunity to realize their academic aspirations, the University encourages its students to be productive citizens and active members of their community. The University plays a central role in developing the most valuable national resource in its society – namely the human one. New graduate and undergraduate programs in information technology, engineering, sciences, social policy, economics and management are being developed to assist in meeting this objective. The University campus is being expanded to better equip the University to meet the growing needs of higher education in the Palestinian society. At the same time, Birzeit University's various community Centers and Institutes continue to enhance and develop their work through intensive policy-oriented research to assist in the economic, social and human development of Palestine. The University offers numerous undergraduate and graduate degrees through its eight faculties: Arts, Commerce and Economics, Engineering, Sciences, Law and Public Administration, Information Technology, Nursing and Allied Health Professions and Graduate Studies. The Graduate Studies programs offers post-graduate diplomas and masters degrees. The University also offers two High Diplomas in Primary Healthcare (Supervision and Training); and Gender, Law and Development. In addition to its academic programs, the University has a wide range of institutes, centers and programs that aim to develop and support the community-oriented programs that contributes to the achievement of sustainable development in Palestine. Support for the University comes from numerous Palestinian, Arab and international institutions or foundations as well as from various individuals. Such support has enabled the University to continuously expand and develop.

As the leading authority of on-mountain safety, The National Ski Patrol (NSP) is dedicated to serving the public and outdoor recreation industry by providing education and accreditation to emergency care and safety service providers. NSP is made up of more than 32,000 members serving over 650 patrols, including alpine, nordic, and auxiliary patrollers. Our members work on behalf of local ski and snowboard areas to improve the overall experience for outdoor enthusiasts. National Ski Patrol (NSP) was established in 1938 and is a member-driven professional organization. We strive to provide best-in-class training and education programs for emergency rescuers serving the outdoor recreation community. NSP supports its members through accredited education and training in leadership, outdoor emergency care, safety programs and transportation services. The emergence of new snow sports like snowboarding, tubing, and snow-skating has introduced new equipment and terrain requiring new safety and rescue techniques and emergency care methods to be developed and taught. In addition, greater access to the backcountry has brought new training and regimens for NSP members as well.