A new class of graduates is ready to take on the real world, but these classmates are more concerned about the future of their communities than their own careers.

Leadership Chester County just graduated its 15th class of community champions and is sending many of the 27 participants off to a year or more of helping meet local needs through service on a nonprofit board of directors.

“Leadership Chester County is an important investment in the future of Chester County, and good governance ensures the continuation of high-quality, effectively-run social service organizations,” United Way of Chester County President and CEO Claudia Hellebush said.

The annual training program distills the expertise of the United Way, Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry and West Chester University into 17 topics over eight months that cover nonprofit governance, local social issues and hands-on learning opportunities with nonprofit boards of directors.

This year’s Leadership Chester County class members, who hailed from corporate, IT, financial, legal, educational, healthcare and marketing backgrounds, rolled up their sleeves at boys college prep boarding school Church Farm School and dug into issues involving youth mentoring, financial literacy and preparing youth to be “future-ready,” while also exploring local resources and best practices in the field of education.

Those who emerged as graduates are certified champions of a vibrant, safe and inclusive community.