The Toronto Star reported earlier this week that the city’s branch of the Miami Ad School abruptly closed in March, leaving some students without refunds or diplomas.  

It wasn’t immediately clear what happened but in response to the news, Toronto ad agency Fuse Create has launched what it’s calling the Ossington Ad School in a bid to assist students who were left out in cold. Ossington is the name of the Toronto street where the agency is headquartered. 

It’s not a permanent facility and there’s no accreditation, but the agency describes it as a “one day high-impact boot camp” led by its staff. It’s basically a one-day crash course in how modern advertising works, Fuse stated. It will be held Aug. 12.

In the June, the agency held a “portfolio night” where ad students could present their work and receive feedback.  

Spots in the bootcamp are open only to the students left in the lurch by the sudden closure MAS Toronto in the spring.  

The agency also invited other agencies in Toronto to reach out and join in the effort. 

Miami Ad School was named School of the Year at this year’s Cannes Lions ad festival. It’s part of the Young Lions awards program that is sponsored by WPP’s AKQA and the Lions organization.  

School officials couldn’t be reached for comment on the shuttered Toronto branch.