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Bella Klotz
When Bella Klotz, of Waterman, walks across the stage at Waubonsee’s May Commencement, she won’t just be earning her Associate of Arts degree. She will be celebrating a journey that began at age 17, marked by focus and a commitment to seizing every opportunity Waubonsee offered.
“I didn’t know what I wanted to major in when I started,” she said, “but I knew I wanted to get ahead.”
That mindset led her to enroll in Waubonsee’s Dual Credit program during her junior year of high school, taking college-level courses like history, psychology, and biology before ever setting foot on one of Waubonsee’s four campuses.
Now, just one year after graduating from Indian Creek High School, Klotz is transferring to Iowa State University as a junior to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Supply Chain Management—every credit since high school in hand, every step planned.
Waubonsee’s Dual Credit program, offered in partnership with 26 high schools, including several outside of the college's district, allows students to earn both high school and college credit at the same time.
Students taking dual credit courses in their high school with Waubonsee-approved teachers pay just $36 per class. Dual credit courses taught by Waubonsee instructors, either on campus or onsite at a local high school, receive a 30% tuition discount. Online dual credit courses are offered at full tuition and fees.
“This program is one of the best ways we support our community,” said Dr. Dan McDonnell, Director of School District Partnerships. “It saves students time and money toward a degree or certificate and gives them the confidence to transition into college-level courses.”
Though Klotz was introduced to Waubonsee through her mother, Kayln Boehne, who works at Waubonsee in Student Success and Retention, it was her own experience with faculty and campus life that made her stay.
“My first visit to the Sugar Grove Campus felt like home,” she said. “The teachers, the resources, the energy—it all clicked.”
Once enrolled full-time, Klotz immersed herself fully into the student experience. She joined the Business Club, worked as a student employee, and played on the women’s volleyball team.
Each experience pushed her to grow. “Playing volleyball helped me with time management,” she said. “Between practices, games, and classes, I had to stay on top of everything. It made me better.”
She credits Waubonsee’s numerous academic and student support services as making her journey smoother than expected. “The advisors helped me map everything out,” she said. “And the tutoring center, the library, my professors—all of it made it less stressful and more enjoyable.”
Now, with her Waubonsee chapter coming to a close, Klotz will arrive at Iowa State University ready to take on the next phase of her academic and professional journey with a clear sense of direction.
“I feel like all the pieces are coming together,” she said.
For students considering college, Klotz shares the advice that helped shape her success: “Be open. Talk to people. Use the resources. Even if you don’t have it all figured out, Waubonsee is full of opportunities to help you find your way,” she said.
To learn how Waubonsee's Dual Credit program helps high school students jump-start their college education, visit waubonsee.edu/dualcredit.
