The hospitality industry offers plenty of different options for people interested in many things - ranging from management to dessert-making. The best way to learn some of these skills, is by taking a program that can later lead to great job opportunities.

The American Hotel & Lodging Education Foundation (AH&LEF) recently announced that it has just awarded 226 scholarships, totaling $298,825 through three programs: Annual Scholarship Grant, Incoming Freshman and Graduate scholarships programs, according to the organization's website.

This year, the AH&LEF has awarded more than $400,000 to almost 300 students interested in pursing a career in hospitality.

Its biggest program, the annual scholarship grant is co-administered by over 80 universities around the country. The program is funded from proceeds from various hospitality organizations and events, including Americas Lodging Investment Summit (ALIS) and the Big Apple Auction.

This year is also the third time that the freshman and graduate student scholarships have been offered. Eight freshmen received scholarships that totaled $15,000, while eight graduate students received $5,000 scholarships, in order to continue their studies in the ever evolving industry.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the employment of people in the hospitality industry will increase by at least 11% through 2018.