As a high‑school student interested in automation, should I join Maker School or focus on other ways to get my first client?

Being 15‑20 gives you a mixed bag: younger people can be seen as inexperienced, but also as naturally tech‑savvy. I’d front‑load Upwork applications until you land your first client, and spend the first few weeks on community posting. You probably don’t have a full‑time job yet, so you can watch my videos, do direct outreach, and land that first client. Once you have a paying client and can justify the expense, consider joining Maker School. Until then, the free content should give you plenty of value.