[mindcrime]

I tried to ask them but there's always so many blocks. I have to explain so much just to get them to do something. It's like an inefficient bureaucracy with lots of red tape. I can't really contact any of my relatives because they are in another country. I think they're hostile to the idea because my grades have been low (although they are improving) ever since we moved to a new state over winter. They are also worried about my vision...

Understood. Another option would be to setup some sort of online "donation box" thing (like some open source projects do) and just put the word out "help a high-school kid get a VPS / domain / books" and see if you can raise a few dollars. I know I'd chip in a few bucks to such a cause myself.

And, as others have mentioned, a summer job is an option. But it doesn't necessarily have to be mowing lawns or whatever. You already have some coding skills, and apparently have a computer and a 'net connection... maybe you can find a scenario where somebody will pay you to build them a basic app or website or whatever. Unfortunately you probably can't use ODesk or anything due to your age, but you might be able to set up an "under the table" deal and get paid via Paypal or something. Hmm... not sure if you can have a PayPal account if you're < 18, but maybe your parents would be willing to help make that happen, if there's an age limit?