21-21G-2: Purpose of act.

It is the purpose of the Graduate Scholarship Act to increase graduate enrollment in the state's public universities of students from groups underrepresented in graduate education. By encouraging groups underrepresented in graduate education to pursue advanced degrees in accredited graduate programs, particularly in academic fields of high regional and national priority and fields where their underrepresentation is most severe, the state will benefit by increasing the number of professionals for industry, business, research and development, economic development and public service. The establishment of a graduate scholarship program for students from groups underrepresented in graduate education will efficiently and effectively fulfill the purpose of the Graduate Scholarship Act.