Help Jen get approved for her Veterans Affairs Disability education funding to attend the American Film Institute to pursue a Master in Fine Arts in Screenwriting.
I don't need money, just support. *Donations after signature DO NOT go to me* I am not asking for money donations
I was found entitled to VA disability education benefits that would allow me to go to school to complete my MFA, but when the VA denied my school due to high-cost, I was heartbroken. And they didn't just deny me to attend AFI in Fall 2025. The decision, if not appealed, is upheld indefinitely due to the way it was written.
My BS Degree in Film Production is nationally accredited so I am already limited in where I can pursue my MFA. This was not taken into account when the VA made their decision.
For anyone who has ever had to file a disability claim, you probably know how difficult it can be to win your claim. There is a lengthy approval process, and the agency typically wants to save money. "Pick something else," they said. But, I can't. I write and I make films.
VA Disability Benefits are governed by statutory laws and there is one that is the most important. It states:
38 U.S. Code § 3100 - Purposes
The purposes of this chapter are to provide for all services and assistance necessary to enable veterans with service-connected disabilities to achieve maximum independence in daily living and, to the maximum extent feasible, to become employable and to obtain and maintain suitable employment.
By signing my petition, you are helping me protect my 14th Amendment right to due process, my rights as a disabled military veteran under the 38 U.S. Codes signed into law by Congress, and showing support for my academic and professional journey.
Another way you can help is to write and sign a letter of support. Letters will be included in my case file to support my disability claim. For more information about my claim and ways you can assist, please feel free to reach out to me at [email protected]
Updates
June 19, 2025
The VA continues to rely on blanket denials instead of looking at the specific legal requirements for my vocational rehabilitation. Send an email to your local representative demanding they look into how the agency is ignoring its own mandate to provide veterans with the training they actually need.
June 19, 2025
The momentum behind this petition is growing and it proves the VA needs to acknowledge that specialized education paths for veterans must be protected. Take a moment to repost this on Facebook today so we keep this issue in front of the public eye. Email your congressional representative now and demand they review these restrictive funding decisions.
Reached 100 supporters
June 19, 2025
38 Comments
Give this soldier what she deserves please! She has served her country bravely and honorably and in turn has been disabled. The least we can do for her is let her receive her education in the field she has chosen to do now that being a soldier is not an option any longer.
The VA also denied reinstatement of my GI Bill benefits- even though I went to a predatory for profit school with a yellow ribbon program and the school is now closed. President Biden granted me student loan forgiveness that paid off $68k in student loans on top of my GI Bill benefits. My B.S. is no longer recognized. Something has gotta give. Give Um Hell!
This is exactly what these benefits are intended to do — help provide education and employment opportunities for hardworking veterans like Jennifer.
If the pentagon can fail audits five years in a row you can fund this veterans artistic school.
Jennifer Pirante is an absolute way shower as a creative professional. Her exemplary leadership as a writer, director and creative has modeled the way for many veterans in the industry. A decade-long volunteer with Veterans in Media & Entertainment, she can always be relied upon to step up for her brothers & sisters stepping into the industry. She lives daily by the mantra that just because we are no longer in service doesn’t mean we can’t be of service. She would be an ideal candidate for this program. Select her today! - Colonel (U.S. Army, Retired) Arnold V. Strong
She amazing and should everything happen for her, she always help other people
This shouldn’t be needed for anyone who was willing to sacrifice their life so civilians can live theirs. Give Jen whatever she needs.
Sign Petition
We never post to your account. Social sign-in is used only to verify your signature.
Add a comment?
Your signature will be added via . Tell others why you're signing — it's optional.
By signing, you accept iPetitions Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Share Petition
Don't stop at signing, share the petition link with friends to multiply our impact
Copy link or share directly
Help Jen get approved for her Veterans Affairs Disability education funding to attend the American Film Institute to pursue a Master in Fine Arts in Screenwriting.
I don't need money, just support. *Donations after signature DO NOT go to me* I am not asking for money donations
I was found entitled to VA disability education benefits that would allow me to go to school to complete my MFA, but when the VA denied my school due to high-cost, I was heartbroken. And they didn't just deny me to attend AFI in Fall 2025. The decision, if not appealed, is upheld indefinitely due to the way it was written.
My BS Degree in Film Production is nationally accredited so I am already limited in where I can pursue my MFA. This was not taken into account when the VA made their decision.
For anyone who has ever had to file a disability claim, you probably know how difficult it can be to win your claim. There is a lengthy approval process, and the agency typically wants to save money. "Pick something else," they said. But, I can't. I write and I make films.
VA Disability Benefits are governed by statutory laws and there is one that is the most important. It states:
38 U.S. Code § 3100 - Purposes
The purposes of this chapter are to provide for all services and assistance necessary to enable veterans with service-connected disabilities to achieve maximum independence in daily living and, to the maximum extent feasible, to become employable and to obtain and maintain suitable employment.
By signing my petition, you are helping me protect my 14th Amendment right to due process, my rights as a disabled military veteran under the 38 U.S. Codes signed into law by Congress, and showing support for my academic and professional journey.
Another way you can help is to write and sign a letter of support. Letters will be included in my case file to support my disability claim. For more information about my claim and ways you can assist, please feel free to reach out to me at [email protected]
Updates
June 19, 2025
The VA continues to rely on blanket denials instead of looking at the specific legal requirements for my vocational rehabilitation. Send an email to your local representative demanding they look into how the agency is ignoring its own mandate to provide veterans with the training they actually need.
June 19, 2025
The momentum behind this petition is growing and it proves the VA needs to acknowledge that specialized education paths for veterans must be protected. Take a moment to repost this on Facebook today so we keep this issue in front of the public eye. Email your congressional representative now and demand they review these restrictive funding decisions.
Reached 100 supporters
June 19, 2025
38 Comments
Jen has a Bachelors' in Film Production, has been nationally recognized, and won competitions. She is honing her craft in the renowned Masters' program at the American Film Institute (AFI). Graduates include Maya Angeloe, Lily Tomlin, Ron Howard, Ellen Burstyn, Spike Lee, Sydney Pollack, garry Marshall, Steven Spielberg...and many more. Jennifer Pirante has the skill and determination to join their ranks. I urge you to consider the positive effect her Talent will have, and approve her petition
Give this soldier what she deserves please! She has served her country bravely and honorably and in turn has been disabled. The least we can do for her is let her receive her education in the field she has chosen to do now that being a soldier is not an option any longer.
The VA also denied reinstatement of my GI Bill benefits- even though I went to a predatory for profit school with a yellow ribbon program and the school is now closed. President Biden granted me student loan forgiveness that paid off $68k in student loans on top of my GI Bill benefits. My B.S. is no longer recognized. Something has gotta give. Give Um Hell!
This is exactly what these benefits are intended to do — help provide education and employment opportunities for hardworking veterans like Jennifer.
If the pentagon can fail audits five years in a row you can fund this veterans artistic school.
Jennifer Pirante is an absolute way shower as a creative professional. Her exemplary leadership as a writer, director and creative has modeled the way for many veterans in the industry. A decade-long volunteer with Veterans in Media & Entertainment, she can always be relied upon to step up for her brothers & sisters stepping into the industry. She lives daily by the mantra that just because we are no longer in service doesn’t mean we can’t be of service. She would be an ideal candidate for this program. Select her today! - Colonel (U.S. Army, Retired) Arnold V. Strong
She amazing and should everything happen for her, she always help other people
This shouldn’t be needed for anyone who was willing to sacrifice their life so civilians can live theirs. Give Jen whatever she needs.
Help this petition grow
Share it with friends to help reach 250 signatures.
Sign Petition
We never post to your account. Social sign-in is used only to verify your signature.
Add a comment?
Your signature will be added via .
Tell others why you're signing — it's optional.
Signing with Google or Facebook verifies your signature instantly — no email needed.
By signing, you accept iPetitions Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Share Petition
Don't stop at signing, share the petition link with friends to multiply our impact
Petitions like this
Other petitions you might want to support
Scan to share
Anyone who scans this can sign the petition.
Jen has a Bachelors' in Film Production, has been nationally recognized, and won competitions. She is honing her craft in the renowned Masters' program at the American Film Institute (AFI). Graduates include Maya Angeloe, Lily Tomlin, Ron Howard, Ellen Burstyn, Spike Lee, Sydney Pollack, garry Marshall, Steven Spielberg...and many more. Jennifer Pirante has the skill and determination to join their ranks. I urge you to consider the positive effect her Talent will have, and approve her petition