Grace Pierner, a senior majoring in global health at UW–Madison, is the recipient of the 2024-25 Brenton Health Policy Scholarship. The annual scholarship recognizes an exceptional student who is passionate about health policy. This year’s scholarship will help fund Pierner’s internship with the Wisconsin Council on Medical Education and Workforce, an interdisciplinary organization addressing healthcare workforce challenges. During her internship, which began in December and will continue through the spring, Pierner will work on several impactful projects, including planning WCMEW’s annual Workforce Summit, producing content for the monthly newsletter, and fostering relationships with stakeholders to advance workforce development strategies.

Pierner is enthusiastic about applying her global health and health policy studies in a real-world setting. “I chose to pursue a health policy certificate through the La Follette School of Public Affairs because of how well it complements my studies in global health,” she shared. “The coursework in the program engages with timely and relevant issues in the health policy landscape, which deeply resonate with my academic and career interests.”
The scholarship was created in 2016 to honor Stephen Brenton, a UW–Madison alum who served as President and CEO of the influential Wisconsin Hospital Association from 2002 to 2015. Brenton’s advocacy helped shape the healthcare landscape in Wisconsin and across the country. The Brenton Scholarship was created and endowed with financial contributions from WHA members.
“I’m pleased that Grace has been chosen to receive an internship this year with the Wisconsin Council on Medical Education and Workforce,” said Brenton. “This organization is multistakeholder governed and is working to fashion creative solutions to the most significant challenge facing healthcare—providing an adequate workforce to care for our patients.”
The growing enrollment in the health policy certificate program highlights the increasing interest in bridging academic studies with practical policy applications. This year marks a shift in the focus of the scholarship, with the funds supporting a hands-on internship experience rather than directly supporting the recipient’s educational expenses, a change that reflects the La Follette School’s commitment to providing students with meaningful experiential learning opportunities.
Pierner is excited to contribute to WCMEW’s mission while furthering her professional development. “I am incredibly grateful for the Brenton Health Policy Scholarship and excited about the opportunity to support WCMEW’s important work. I look forward to the experiences and learning opportunities that lie ahead.”
– Story by MPA student Summer Mitchell