§ 16-57-2 Findings. The purpose of this chapter is to authorize a system of financial assistance,consisting of loan guaranties, savings programs, and other aids, for qualifiedstudents, parents, and others responsible for paying the costs of education toenable them to obtain an education beyond the high school level by attendingpublic or private educational institutions. The general assembly has found anddeclares that it is in the public interest and essential to the welfare andwell being of the inhabitants of the state and to the proper growth anddevelopment of the state to foster and provide financial assistance toqualified students, parents, and others responsible for paying the costs ofeducation in order to help prospective students to obtain an education beyondthe high school level. The general assembly has found that many inhabitants ofthe state who are fully qualified to enroll in appropriate educationalinstitutions for furthering their education beyond the high school level lackthe financial means and are unable, without financial assistance as authorizedunder this chapter, to pay the cost of their education, with a consequentirreparable loss to the state of valuable talents vital to its welfare. Thegeneral assembly also recognizes that educational institutions for highereducation are in need of appropriate additional means to provide financialassistance to qualified students, parents, and others responsible for payingthe costs of education. The general assembly has determined that theestablishment of a proper system of financial assistance, containingeligibility opportunities for students and residents of this state and otherstates serves a public purpose and is fully consistent with the longestablished policy of the state to encourage, promote, and assist the educationof the people of the state.