Vanguard College, formerly Northwest Bible College, is a degree-granting institution offering Christian education, located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Their mission is to develop innovative Spirit-filled leaders. Vanguard College was founded in 1946 as Canadian Northwest Bible Institute (CNBI) by D.N. Buntain. The first classes, towards a three year Bible diploma program, in the original Central Pentecostal Tabernacle building in Edmonton enrolled forty students and employed six part-time staff. The Canadian Northwest Bible Institute was renamed Northwest Bible College (NBC) in 1964.Northwest Bible College became Vanguard College in May 2004. To prepare themselves for ministry, students choose from a variety of one through four-year programs in a variety of disciplines. Students may pursue a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Theology (BTh) degree in the many different programs, including Children and Family, Intercultural Studies, Pastoral, Worship and Youth Ministry. Vanguard also offers several 1 year certificate programs in these areas. Students are required to do "Field Education" or practical ministry.