Ken,
Do you have a copy of PicBasic? If so then a PICKIT2 from microchip is less than the cost of a stamp. Micrchip also has a samples option for some of their chips.

The syntax between PB and stamp basic is minimal. But you have many more options with straight PICs. $54.00 for each project

I bet if you explained what you are doing in a letter on your schools letter head you might get some help from Microchip and Melabs.