I've also been talking to my boys about the schooling that comes after high school. Want to be an engineer? There's a college for that. Want to sail the ocean? You can make that your career with an oceanography degree. College offers specialized classes for whatever it is that your heart desires and the fun of dorm life, campus activities, and study-abroad are a true gift.
Here is Salem, I've made sure my boys spend time on the local University campus: Guest speakers, concerts, art museum, the campus green space. This past summer, I also made sure they saw the beauty that is: Ford Hall.
Ford Hall is the most recently built building on campus and as home to the math department - is uber cool. A few of its highlights include:
Willamette University has a variety of great children's programs as well - both during the school year and in the summer. The ultimate planner -- I have to say: It's never too early to think ahead.