Such interns shall be appointed for the duration of the spring semester of such interns’ institution of higher education, and may continue to serve for the duration of the regular session of the General Assembly or any subsequent special sessions of the General Assembly. The committee shall (1) appoint a program coordinator, (2) authorize the expenses of administration of the program, and (3) pay at least one-half of the stipend awarded to such interns, the remainder of such stipend to be paid out of appropriations to the committee therefor.