OTZMA is a joint program of the North American Jewish Federations, represented by The Jewish Federations of North America, and the Jewish Agency for Israel. Every participant is selected by The Jewish Federation of North America in partnership with their Federation.

Once accepted, each participant is responsible for paying for his/her participation in the OTZMA Program. This goes toward all OTZMA-related activities, accommodations throughout the year, Ulpan (Hebrew classes), all group seminars and trips and health insurance.
 

Participants are responsible for paying for their flight to and from Israel, their food during the year, transportation and spending money.