Helping to Encourage Real Opportunities (HERO) for Youth Act of 2021

The Helping to Encourage Real Opportunities (HERO) for Youth Act of 2021 proposes to expand the Work Opportunity Tax Credit to incentivize businesses to hire young people who face significant barriers to employment. The bill increases the tax credit available to employers who hire "disconnected youth"—defined as individuals aged 16 to 24 who are not in school and are not regularly employed—as well as youth in the foster care system. Additionally, it updates the credit for student workers to allow for year-round part-time employment rather than limiting the incentive to summer jobs. For everyday citizens, this legislation aims to create more entry-level job opportunities and career pathways for young adults who are currently out of the workforce or struggling to find stable employment.