Teach901 Back to School Bash Title Sponsor: Orion Financial
“Memphis is a city that makes you believe in people. It has talent, generosity, and a sense of pride that is hard to explain unless you have experienced it. So many people here are doing the work every day to make their neighborhoods, schools, businesses, and communities stronger. Memphis has given Orion Financial so much over the years, and we believe in investing in the people who are helping shape what comes next.”
In 1957, a group of Memphis City Schools teachers pooled together $300 and kept it in a piano bench at East High School, using it to lend money to fellow teachers who needed a hand. That simple act of teachers helping teachers grew into Memphis Area Teachers Credit Union, and eventually became what is known today as Orion Financial, a member owned, not for profit financial institution serving everyday needs from checking and savings accounts to auto loans, home loans, and financial guidance. Nearly seven decades later, that same spirit of teachers caring for teachers is still at the heart of everything Orion does, which makes them the perfect title sponsor for this year's Teach901 Back to School Bash.
The Back to School Bash is Teach901's annual celebration of Memphis educators, a chance for teachers across the city to connect with one another, feel appreciated, and kick off the school year with the support of a community behind them. This year's Bash takes place August 20, and thanks to partners like Orion Financial, teachers will have even more reason to feel valued as they head into a new year in the classroom.
We asked Orion Financial to share more about their work in Memphis and why supporting educators matters so much to them.
how does Orion Financial show up for MEMPHIS?
"We show up by being part of the community by not just simply putting our name on something. That means partnering with organizations that are making a difference, supporting the community, providing financial education, volunteering, and helping connect people with resources that can create more stability and opportunity.
It also means providing banking options that help our members thrive at every stage of life. Whether someone is opening their first account, saving for an unexpected expense, buying a car or home, growing a business, or planning for the future. As a member-owned, not-for-profit financial institution, our goal is to help people keep more of what they earn and feel more confident about what is possible for them. We want to listen to what our neighbors need and find meaningful ways to be helpful, because when individuals and families are stronger financially, our entire community is stronger."
Why did Orion Financial choose to sponsor the Back to School Bash specifically?
"Because Orion was founded by teachers, any event that supports educators feels especially close to home. The Back to School Bash gives Memphis teachers an opportunity to connect with one another and, most importantly, feel appreciated.
This year, Orion Financial also launched a new suite of banking products designed specifically for educators and school employees, so the timing of this partnership felt especially meaningful. The program includes a home loan with 5% down and no private mortgage insurance, competitive auto loan options, high-yield savings, and free checking with no fees or minimum balance. These products were created to support educators through the financial milestones and everyday needs they experience outside the classroom."
What does supporting Memphis teachers mean to your organization?
"Supporting Memphis teachers is personal for Orion because, quite simply, we would not exist without them. Nearly 70 years ago, a group of local teachers saw a need among their colleagues and created a way to help one another. That history gives us a real responsibility to continue showing up for educators not only by celebrating the work they do in the classroom, but by supporting the lives they are building outside of it. We want Memphis teachers to feel valued and equipped to build their futures here."
What drew Orion Financial to Teach901's mission, and why does investing in educators matter to you?
"Teach901 is focused on giving educators reasons to stay, grow, and build meaningful careers in Memphis, and that teachers need more than professional opportunities; they also need community, practical support, and recognition for the work they do. That matters to Orion because educators have been part of our story from the very beginning.
Investing in teachers strengthens our schools, but the impact reaches much further. It supports families, creates greater opportunity, and helps build the kind of Memphis where people want to put down roots."
Why is giving back to Memphis important to Orion Financial as a company?
"Giving back is part of who Orion has always been. We were started by Memphis teachers who saw a need and chose to help one another. That example still guides us. As Orion grows, we want that growth to create more opportunity for the city that built us through meaningful partnerships, resources, and support for the people doing important work here. We love Memphis, we believe in Memphis, and we are proud to be part of its story."
