Students in Sarasota and Charlotte counties who are preparing to complete middle school and transition to high school are getting a jump on rigorous science and technology classes at summer “bridge camps.”

The camps, at Venice, North Port and Lemon Bay high schools and L.A. Ainger Middle School, are designed to help next year’s seventh, eighth- and ninth-graders build a “bridge” to high school through creative approaches to learning. More than 250 students are expected to participate in the programs.

The camps are made possible by a partnership of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation of Venice and the Sarasota and Charlotte county school districts. They are part of a five-year, $2.5 million grant to provide new educational opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Sarasota County -- The Education Channel and Producer Larry Phillips have been honored with two Awards of Distinction from the 17th Annual Communicator Awards for programs highlighting outstanding education and athletics in the Sarasota County School District. The Communicator Award of Distinction is presented for projects that exceed industry standards in quality and achievement.

"Game On Profiles," an original series produced by The Education Channel, received the Communicator Award of Distinction. The program uses student reporters to cover talented athletes at Sarasota County high schools. "Education Excellence," another original series, received the Communicator Award of Distinction for exploring the learning experiences taking place in the school district. Both programs engage students from every district high school in the productions, on both sides of the camera.

The Sarasota County School District will operate its annual Summer Food Service Program at various schools and other facilities. Times and dates vary by location.

The Summer Food Service Program provides nutritionally balanced meals to children, regardless of race, color, sex, disability, age or national origin. Any child 18 or younger who meets the criteria at a particular site is eligible to receive meals at no cost. Each site falls into one of three categories: open, open-restricted and closed-enrolled.