Don't focus entirely on programming.

Find small IT services firms in your area, call them, and ask if they're looking for people. I guarantee you're at least 2 steps above who they normally get, and depending on their size and customer base you may be able to get good local freelance development projects and references while helping them keep their customers happy. You may also get a variety of experience with both business needs and end users that may be very valuable to you later. You'll also help with things that seem incredibly simple to you like basic spreadsheet or macro stuff - something you'll spend 15 minutes on that will literally save a business staffer or manager days of error-prone tweaking by hand.