Although it pays far less than the minimum wage, the Grand Central Partnership says it gives housing, food and job training to the homeless, and intends the $1.16 an hour only as a "training stipend."

Even with a training stipend from the United States Olympic Committee and a pair of sponsors, she has struggled to make ends meet.

Each qualifier was awarded a $20,000 training stipend as part of a purse of $77,500.

If she didn't go out for the team, Hanold knew that she wouldn't be eligible for the crucial training stipends dispensed by the United States Olympic Committee to allow athletes to train full time.

Ruiz also won a $5,000 training stipend.

Those who leave school but do not participate in the NYS can volunteer for a government-administered six-month work program, receiving a training stipend below the minimum wage.

More than 4,500 former soldiers have enrolled in that six-month program, studying to become mechanics, plumbers, carpenters, welders or even computer operators while they earn "training stipends" close to their military salaries.

District officials have defended training stipends as common.

At the du Pont estate, called Foxcatcher Farms, Mr. Schultz received a monthly training stipend, and he devoted himself to wrestling.

Each athlete will also receive a training stipend of $20,000.