INDEPENDENCE - Hawkeye Community College and R & E Real Estate recently completed an expansion project at the school's campus in Enterprise Plaza, 2349 Jamestown Ave., formerly known as the Tech Center.

The additional space is part of an outreach initiative providing specialized courses and training in HCC's engineering technology career program. The program features computer numerically controlled machining, welding and fabrication.

The college's center in Independence opened in 2003.

HCC has a partnership with three high schools in Buchanan County, offering college-level courses. The college also has general studies courses available for the public.

Each semester the center schedules computer training classes for senior citizens and for students studying to become nursing assistants.

HCC also offers Project Lead the Way for high school students to gain experience in engineering and technology. The center in serves students from East Buchanan, Jesup, Dunkerton and Independence high schools.

For information about HCC's programs in Independence, call Audrey Sires at (319) 334-3131 or e-mail asires@hawkeyecollege.edu.