I was lucky (Score 1)

I went to an "experimental" high school based on 60's "free" schools. http://www.linworth.org/

Three of the more interesting programs they offered were "interims","contracts" and "walkabouts".

Interims were available to Freshmen, Sophmores, and Juniors. You could take a week off once a year to do a independent education project of your own design. Some people taught themselves to sew, write programs, construct an electronics project or paint/draw/scuplt to fill their portfolio for acceptance to a college art programs. Other people would use their week for a mini intership.

Seniors that completed their graduation requirements could go on "Walkabout" which was two 9 week periods for independent study, like "Interims" could be used for independent study or interships.

We could also create our own programs for school credit, called "contracts", if you could find a teacher who would sign off on it. For you, you would find an unpaid internship with a company for a set number of hours a week, and at the end you would have to write a paper of what you learned.

A lot of large school districts have similiar programs in "magnet" schools. Ask you school counselor. You might even find that your school has the ability to do similiar projects, they just don't advertise it.

It used to be vocational school were descouraged for college bound students. I've been told that isn't as true any more. If you complete a vocational program and your college prep courses, colleges will take notice. (At least thats what I've heard from my wife, a high school teacher)

Our shool district now offers an I.T. vocational programs. I wish they had when I was in high school. What I've heard from vocational school students, you are required to work in your field and they have placement programs.

You really should talk to your counselor.

I wish I had your sense of direction at your age. Good luck!!