Can zakat funds be used for a motivational program for children of poor and needy asnaf together with children of bank employees?

Summary

It is permissible to use zakat funds for a motivational program involving children of the asnaf and children of bank employees. The asnaf children qualify as poor and needy, while the bank employees' children qualify under fisabilillah for seeking knowledge, especially those from less well-off families. The ruling sets guidelines: less well-off employees' children are given priority, the basic needs of the poor and needy asnaf are met first, and the program must bring real benefit and significant impact to the students.

Written in our own words from the original fatwa — check the source before acting on it.