OTZMA is a program for Jewish young adults, ages 20-26, who are passionate about pursuing social action and invested in living in Israel for 10 months. There are many qualifying factors which make up a successful OTZMA participant, and at the same time, no one participant is the same as another.

The selection committee is driven to look into many of the following areas:

1. Leadership qualities; strength of character to take on new challenges and see them through; and the discipline to perform necessary, if unappealing, tasks.
2. Strong Jewish motivation and interest.
3. Maturity to handle both an intensive group experience and to share living quarters with others from the group.
4. Psychological strength to handle stressful situations.
5. Independence, but ability to fit into a structured group setting.
6. Flexibility to adapt to life and conditions in Israel.
7. Previous experience living away from home (camp, college, study abroad, etc.).
8. Physical capability to perform strenuous activities, such as agricultural work on kibbutz, chores on an army base, and rigorous hikes.
9. Interest in working with people, especially adolescents and children.
10. Ability to relate well to other people.
11. Strong goal-orientation; realistic self-image.
12. Realistic picture of the OTZMA program (expectations, demands, rewards).
13. Commitment to service and to the Jewish community.