The SoNIC (Software Defined Network Interface) program, founded in 2010 by Professor Hakim Weatherspoon in partnership with Howard University, is an immersive, all-expenses-paid summer workshop hosted by Cornell University. It aims to empower underrepresented minority computer science students from across the country by exposing them to cutting-edge research in areas such as cloud computing and networks. Participants engage in hands-on research alongside faculty mentors, gain insights into academic careers, and build a supportive community with peers who share similar backgrounds. The program's core goal is to demystify the path to advanced degrees and significantly increase the representation of diverse talent in higher-level computer science programs nationwide, including Cornell's own Ph.D. programs. SoNIC endeavors to ensure that future developments in computer science and artificial intelligence are informed by a broader range of perspectives and experiences, leading to richer discoveries and more inclusive technologies. The workshop focuses on providing academic exposure, mentorship, confidence-building opportunities, and a strong sense of belonging, addressing historical underrepresentation in the field.