It is declared that for the benefit of the people of the State of Illinois, the conduct and increase of their commerce, the protection and enhancement of their welfare, the development of continued prosperity and the improvement of their health and living conditions, it is essential that this and future generations of youth be given the fullest opportunity to learn and to develop their intellectual and mental capacities and skills; that to achieve these ends it is of the utmost importance that Illinois residents be provided with investment alternatives to enhance their financial access to Institutions of Higher Education. It is the intent of this Act to provide to the State of Illinois an alternative low cost method of borrowing for the purposes authorized in the General Obligation Bond Act and to encourage enrollment in Institutions of Higher Education located in the State of Illinois, all in execution of the public policy set forth above.