<![CDATA[The regeneration of farmers has become a global concern due to the declining participation of youth in agriculture. The Youth Entrepreneurship and Employment Support Services (YESS) program was launched to address youth participation and entrepreneurial potential through extension services. This study investigates rural youth perceptions of extension service quality and examines the effects of participation, environmental support, and perceived service quality on entrepreneurial behavior. A quantitative survey was administered to 120 YESS participants in Bogor Regency, Indonesia. Data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The findings show that extension service quality was positively perceived across all SERVQUAL dimensions. Empathy was the highest-rated dimension, while responsiveness was the lowest. Participation and environmental support positively affected perceived service quality, whereas participant characteristics had no significant effect. Environmental support and perceived service quality significantly influenced entrepreneurial behavior. Participation did not directly influence entrepreneurial behavior but showed a significant indirect effect through perceived service quality, indicating full mediation. High-quality service experiences contribute to strengthening entrepreneurial behavior among rural youth. Responsive, participant-centered, and adaptive extension services are essential for supporting youth entrepreneurship and rural agribusiness development. This study integrates participation, perceived service quality, and entrepreneurial behavior into a single analytical framework and positions perceived service quality as a mediator explaining how participant engagement contributes to entrepreneurial behavior change.]]>
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