Meet: Sean Pica

NYTS Graduate: 2002
Released: 2002

Sean Pica, a former resident of Suffolk County, was incarcerated in several different New York prisons for 16 years. Sean began in the Suffolk County Correctional Facility in Riverhead at the age of 16. Sean made the best of a bad situation and from the start got involved in the educational opportunities that used to be provided. He attended Skidmore College, Junior College of Albany, Ulster Community College, and eventually received a Bachelor’s degree from Nyack College.  Later he received a Master’s Degree from New York Theological Seminary.

Sean was involved with the Youth Program and the various religious programs.

IN ADDITION ...

Though Sean is a full-time student at Hunter College's Social Work Program working on his second graduate degree, he continues to volunteer his time at several organizations.

• Strive: A job rediness program in East Harlem, counseling young men and women about getting back into the job market.
• Exodus: A transitional community in East Harlem, facilitating small groups
• Episcopal Social Services, The College Initiative:
• College & Community Fellowship: presentations
• Speaking at local high school’s: presentations
• Henry Street Settlement: presentations

IN CLOSING ...

Since being released on parole on December 2002, from Sing Sing, Sean has been involved with several projects advocating for the men he left behind and the importance of educational opportunities. Sean has given interviews with the New York Times, Newsday, and did a special with “48 Hours.' His purpose is to bring to the attention of the general public the ability of men and women in prison to experience positive change and to become productive and contributing citizens.