Barksdale Top 3 scholarship deadline approaching Published June 14, 2013 By Staff Sgt. Jason McCasland 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Base Airmen between the enlisted pay grades E-1 to E-6 will have three more days to apply for a textbook scholarship through the Barksdale Top 3. The organization is offering three $100 scholarships for Airmen currently enrolled or enrolling in the current semester with an accredited college or university. "The scholarships are for textbooks, so the scholarships are a huge financial aid," said Master Sgt. Stephanie Newbern, Barksdale Top 3 scholarship committee lead. "These scholarships are there to help service members get what they need for their classes." The scholarships are not only for active duty Airmen. "The scholarships are for any service member, regardless of service, that is a part of Barksdale," Newbern said. "Applicants are not restricted to only active duty service members. Reservists are eligible to apply for the scholarship as well, provided that they are assigned or attached to Barksdale." The quarterly scholarships are awarded based off on an applicant's scores from the applications. "The scholarship review board has criteria that we base all of the applicants on," Newbern said. "One of the most important parts of the application is the essay, it gives the applicants a chance to tell us about their motivation, attitude and more." The quarterly Top 3 scholarship was started as a way for senior enlisted personnel to help the junior enlisted progress in their careers and meet their educational goals. "The scholarships have been around for several years and is Top 3's way of giving back to the junior enlisted members and the community," she said. The Top 3 scholarship committee will begin reviewing all applications June 18 and will announce the winners early July. For more information or to apply, contact Master Sgt. Stephanie Newbern at 456-8593 or email stephanie.newbern@us.af.mil.