OTZMA is arguably the most comprehensive and enriching Israel experience available -- and it is also one of the most affordable. This year, we are pleased to have expanded funding available for over 45 participants as well as the establishment of the new OTZMA Leadership Scholarship!

Since its inception in 1986, OTZMA has always been considered a "fellowship" since a participant's local Jewish Federation usually sponsors his/her participation and pays for a healthy portion of the tuition. Moreover, as an officially recognized program of the "Masa Israel Journey" initiative, applicants are eligible to receive a combined grant/aid package of up to $7500 towards their participation -- and this excludes other scholarships that can be attained!

Most importantly, at OTZMA, we actively work with each participant to seek and attain the finances needed to make participation on the program a reality. We believe that finances should not prevent qualified applicants from joining OTZMA.

In short, OTZMA is an unparalleled experience and we'll work to make sure that it is also affordable.

The Details

OTZMA's Tuition
The unsubsidized tuition for OTZMA’s 10-months is $13,000 and $7,500 for 5-months. Tuition includes housing, volunteer and internship placements in each program part, seminars, excursions, health insurance and much more.

Federation Sponsorship
Participants on OTZMA are almost always sponsored by their local Jewish Federation. Sponsorship means that you will serve as a representative of the Jewish Federation as you carry out you volunteer/service work.  In recognition of your contribution in Israel, the Jewish Federations provide $3000 towards your 10-month tuition and $2,000 for towards your 5-month tuition. If your Federation does not participate in OTZMA, we'll work with you to investigate your funding options.

Universal Grants & Financial Aid from Masa | Apply for the Masa Grant or Learn more.
Most OTZMA participants are eligible to receive a grant of either $3000 or $4500 from the Masa Israel Journey initiative. Those participants who can prove that they are independent and not otherwise supported financially can receive an additional $3000 in financial aid from Masa. What's more, qualifying for financial aid is a relatively simple process. Learn more about Masa Grants & Financial Aid.

The OTZMA Leadership Scholarship | Learn more or apply here
OTZMA is excited to announce the immediate establishment of a new generous scholarship for the upcoming program, making Otzma the most affordable Israel program available. Learn more here.

Additional Scholarships
In addition to the funds above, all OTZMA participants can apply for and receive additional funds towards their participation. For your convenience, we have listed ideas and resources below through which our past participants have received funding.

• While your local Jewish Federation sponsors each OTZMA participant, it should be noted that there are often additional funding sources through the Federation.  Make sure to speak to your local OTZMA coordinator about additional scholarships as well as other professionals or lay leaders in the community.
  
• Your local synagogue: Many synagogues provide funding for Jewish youth to visit Israel. Even if there isn’t a specific fund, many synagogues have a “Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund” where your Rabbi may choose to spend a portion of his/her donated funds. Even if you have not been an active member of the synagogue, it is a good idea to speak with your Rabbi about your desire to participate on OTZMA.
  
• The Helyn B. Reich Memorial Scholarship - The Helyn B. Reich Memorial Scholarship Fund is run through the American Zionist Movement. Scholarships are awarded to a few participants who participate on WUJS-Arad, Israel Career Experience or OTZMA programs. The committee is seeking outstanding candidates who have shown commitment to Israel, and whose participation in the program will advance their abilities to strengthen Israel and better serve the Jewish and Zionist community. For more information about the scholarship, please call the AZM main office at (212) 318-6100 or go to www.azm.org/scholarship.
  
• Hillel: Asking your local campus Hillel is another option when it comes to finding money to get to Israel. On most campuses, Hillel is a place where Jewish students are able to express and develop their Jewish identity. Inquiring through the Hillel Director, Program Director, or JCSC Fellow may help you find money to join OTZMA.
  
• The Bureau of Jewish Education: OTZMA is a Jewish learning experience, and thus the BJE may be willing to fund your participation on the program.  Most cities have a local BJE and you can ask your OTZMA local contact for their information.
  
• Jewish organizations and agencies in your hometown: Hadassah, B’nai B’rith lodges, Jewish Women International (formally B’nai B’rith Women), Temple/Synagogue men’s clubs/sisterhoods -- all of them care about the Jewish community! They are often able and willing to cover a portion of your costs! Take advantage of their hospitality. Especially look towards agencies where your family or family friends belong. If no one you know belongs, they may still want to help — that’s the beauty of the community.
  
• Your Fraternity/Sorority: If you are involved in the Greek system and your Fraternity/Sorority happens to be traditionally Jewish on a national scale, your national offices may be interested in sponsoring you on your trip to Israel. Be sure to emphasize that the OTZMA Fellowship is renowned for developing Jewish leaders and that your participation on the trip will improve your abilities as a Greek leader.
  
• University Study Abroad Office: Study Abroad offices often have information on scholarships that are available through a wide variety of agencies, academic departments, and businesses. It would be in your best interest to set up a meeting with a counselor in the Study Abroad Office to find out what scholarships are available to students traveling to Israel.
  
• University Academic Departments: It doesn’t hurt to ask specific academic departments on campus (i.e. Judaic studies, political science, history, religion, business) about potential scholarships for experiential learning programs in Israel. While it depends on the university, many academic departments have money set aside for faculty or students to attend programs.
  
• Hebrew Free Loan Society: For interest free loans. You must apply in person while in the U.S. but can often receive significant funds which can be paid back free of interest.

It is a rarity, but please note that participants that are not eligible for outside funding are responsible for funding their program tuition.