PORTLAND, OR — June 10, 2003
Inspiration 7, the newest version of Inspiration Software's flagship visual learning software for grade six through adult, recently was awarded the Association of Educational Publishers (AEP) 2003 Distinguished Achievement Award for Instructional Materials for Young Adults. The association announced the winners of the 40th annual awards recognizing the best in supplemental educational publishing last week at a gala event at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.

"In this time of changing standards and curricula, supplemental educational publishers give parents and teachers options. Displaying the winner's seal from AEP’s Distinguished Achievement Awards signals that this product is an outstanding learning tool for the home or classroom," said Robert W. Harper, president, AEP Board of Directors.

This recognition for Inspiration Software comes less than a month after the company's two visual learning software products, Inspiration and Kidspiration^®, both earned 2003 Codie Awards from the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA). These awards showcase the software and digital content industry's finest products and services and honor excellence for corporate achievement and philanthropic efforts.

"We are very proud of the awards and recognition that Inspiration has earned in the education and technology community," said Mona Westhaver, president and co-founder, Inspiration Software. "As an education company, it is particularly gratifying to receive the Distinguished Service Award from the national professional organization for educational publishers."

All Distinguished Service Award entries, received from companies and organizations nationwide, first go through a rigorous screening process. From these entries, the final judging panel may pick up to four finalists per category, but may choose less if warranted. Judging panels are drawn from a national pool of writing, publishing and design experts in print and technology; education editors; educators; and curriculum experts.

About the Association of Educational Publishers (AEP)
Since 1895, AEP – the national, nonprofit professional organization for educational publishers – has provided print and digital publishers with the resources needed to thrive in today’s changing education and publishing environment by tracking education, legislative and industry information and trends; creating networking opportunities; and fostering excellence in educational publishing through professional development and recognition programs.

About Inspiration Software, Inc.
Recognized as the leader in visual thinking and learning, Inspiration Software, Inc. develops and publishes innovative software tools that inspire learners of all ages to brainstorm, organize, plan, and create. With more than 10 million users worldwide, the company's award-winning software is revolutionizing visual learning in education - inspiring students to develop strong thinking and organizational skills and improve their academic performance. Founded by Donald Helfgott and Mona Westhaver, the company's mission is to support improvements in education and make a positive difference in students' lives by providing software tools that help students learn to think.