The Legislature finds that it is necessary for the State's citizens to acquire an education beyond the secondary level in order to succeed during the 21st century. A well-trained and educated population, moreover, is vital to New Jersey's efforts to attract and retain highly skilled businesses, and to ensure the State's continued economic well- being. It is therefore incumbent upon the Legislature to institute a program which will help high achieving students to pursue a post-secondary education.
N.J.S. § 18A:71B-82