There is a pretty good description of what is required to enter Canada for US citizens on the US Department of State website. According to it you will need a proof of citizenship and a proof of identity. Which a Driver's license and an Original Birth certificate might suffice. On top of this because you're under 18 you might also have to have a notarized letter from your parents allowing you to leave the country.
Now the question becomes how will you be able to re-enter the US. As @choster pointed out there is a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative that is supposed to make travel easier. That being said you will need a NEXUS Card or an EDL along with you original birth certificate to re-enter. Something tells me that you're not in possession of the Nexus Card because it is usually obtain by frequent travelers between US and Canada.
Also according to WHTI site only 4 states in the US issue the EDLs and the more likely scenario in order to obtain one you will need to be in possession of a US Passport, though you don't have to but it makes things easier.
So in all I would suggest getting a Passport or doing the work in the US might be a lot easier if not cheaper.