Southwestern Community College opened the Red Oak Center in 1985 to fill a growing need to serve the Montgomery County area of the college district. The center has been located at 2300 North 4th Street off Highway 34 since 1992. The Red Oak Center offers college credit, adult education, GED and Adult Basic Education classes, and customized training for local businesses and industries.

In addition to on-site classes, distance learning opportunities are available using the Iowa Communications Network (ICN), and online classes through the Iowa Community College Online Consortium. The Red Oak Center has nine classrooms including two ICN rooms and a 15-station computer lab.

In 2002, the Red Oak Technology Center opened through a cooperative effort with Red Oak Community Schools, the Red Oak Industrial Foundation, Buena Vista University, Bellevue University, and individual, business, and industrial donors. The Technology Center provides classroom space for Southwestern’s Career Academy programs, science classes, and industrial training.