Kent State University’s radio station, WKSU, is collaborating with National Public Radio for two years on a project called StateImpact to inform the public about education and government actions.

StateImpact Ohio: Eye on Education looks specifically at issues with education and the government’s involvement. Two other radio stations, WCPN Ideastream, stationed in Cleveland, and WOSU Public Media, which is stationed in Columbus, combine stories from publications throughout Ohio and the nation about education and the impact it could have to students and the community.

“This is a great opportunity for 89.7 WKSU to contribute to the conversation surrounding the future of education – regionally, statewide and nationally,” said WKSU Executive Director Al Bartholet, in a press release.

StateImpact Ohio is available on many media platforms. It is aired during WKSU’s broadcasts of the NPR news magazines “Morning Edition” and “All Things Considered.” News stories relating to the project are also available online.

The goal of the project is to “put news in context, providing insight and background rather than just the latest headlines,” according to StateImpact’s website. The seven other states involved in the project focus on other topics such as healthcare, environment, energy and jobs.

While KSU students are not directly involved, student employees at WKSU are in direct contact with StateImpact, said Marketing Associate Ann VerWiebe.

The first broadcast was aired on July 6, and WKSU will participate with StateImpact during its initial phase.

Contact Summer Kent Ster Morgan Wright at [email protected].