2023
Maryland Young Women Leaders Honoree

Amanda Wang has a perfect 4.0/4.0 GPA and is challenging herself with 4 Advanced Placement classes and 2 dual enrollment college classes in her sophomore year. Amanda serves as Treasurer in her high school’s largest service club, Angel’s Network and is an active member of the River Hill Village Association Teen Advisory Committee. She served the Student Government Associate at her Chinese school for 5 years as Treasurer, Secretary, and Vice President. Amanda is also an active Girl Scout for over eight years and a Silver Award recipient. Amanda has earned the Presidential Volunteer Service Gold Award for four consecutive years.

Amanda believes that youth have the power to create change. She started her own community service project during her 4th grade summer. From 2016 to 2018, Amanda drew 200 pieces of self-designed animal T-shirts with the help of her brother, Arthur, and friends and raised over $3000 for the Ellicott City flood relief.

In 2020, Amanda and Arthur started a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, Clarksville Youth Care Group (CYCG), whose mission is to empower youth through meaningful community service. Over three years, 150 students have stepped up and made a positive impact on the community.

In 2020, after noticing the nation-wide PPE shortage, 53 CYCG students from 15 schools made 3660 reusable DIY face shields and donated them to 100+ hospitals and clinics across seven states.

In 2021, Amanda initiated the Teacher Care Kits project with Arthur, hand-sewing school-themed mask sets to support teachers practically and emotionally after discovering the large stress educators experienced during COVID. CYCG delivered 1700+ kits to 64 Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) schools. Amanda also sewed masks for low-income families, band students, as well as government officials. She was nominated for 2022 HCPSS Friend of Education Award.

In 2022, Amanda initiated the Back-to-School Appreciation Kits to support the larger school community including teachers, staff and bus drivers. CYCG handmade 1000+ Appreciation Kits to 50 schools, and the Transportation Office. The appreciation kits were showcased at Howard County Library: Miller Branch. Amanda also led a summer Farmer’s Market booth to raise funds by selling DIY products to promote youth community service and upcycling. She coordinated a blanket drive that donated 200+ blankets to hospitals, homeless shelters and needed families. CYCG was honored with the “Rise to the Challenge with Sunrise Distinction Award” by Howard County Executive Calvin Ball and was the only youth group honoree.

“Everyone has the potential to be a leader.”- Amanda Wang