For a program of financial aid to support the matriculation of certain persons at public and private institutions of higher learning; provided, that only persons in the custody of the department of children and families under a care and protection petition upon reaching the age of 18 or persons in the custody of the department matriculating at such an institution at an earlier age shall qualify for this aid; provided further, that no such person shall be required to remain in the custody of the department beyond age 18 to qualify for this aid; provided further, that this aid shall not exceed $6,000 per recipient per year; and provided further, that this aid shall be granted after exhausting all other sources of financial support
