SIDNEY — The Workforce Partnership is a nonprofit organization of nearly 50 business partners, now including the Shelby County United Way.

The Workforce Partnership’s goal is to build throughout Shelby County a strong workforce, exposing students and the community to all the various career opportunities in the county, as well as developing skills that will allow students to become successful in employment, college and members of our communities, said Scott Barr, Shelby County United Way director.

The Shelby County United Way initially supported the Workforce Partnership with a special project grant to help with the state-of-the-art classroom at Sidney High School. In the spring of 2015, the United Way supported the inaugural Career Exploration Academy. This two-day event was held at the Shelby County Fairgrounds with 15 to 20 businesses showcasing their companies and careers to junior high and high school students from multiple districts in the county.

After week 3, pledges total $163,772 toward the goal of $1.325 million. Contact the Shelby County United Way at 492-2101 to make a gift.